Horton Hangout Podcast!

In this penultimate episode of the season, Laura and Leanna dive into a mix of serious industry insight and the chaotic humour that the Horton Hangout podcast has become known for. The episode begins with an important listener question about practice manager burnout in busy dental clinics. Laura shares her experience managing multiple practices and explains why burnout happens, how leadership structures affect it, and practical steps owners can take to support their teams. The conversation then shifts to communication mistakes in dentistry, including filler words like “just”, “quickly”, and “obviously” that can weaken patient conversations. Laura explains how clearer language improves patient confidence and treatment acceptance. Finally, the episode finishes with the fan-favourite Confessions of a Dental Nurse segment – including some truly unforgettable (and hilarious) dental surgery moments. This episode is the perfect mix of real dental practice advice, communication training, and unfiltered dental team st

In Episode 7 of The Horton Hangout Podcast, Laura and Leanna dive into a mix of real-life conversations from the dental world — from perimenopause and hormones to communication mistakes in dentistry and the importance of clear patient education. The episode explores whether practices should pay dental nurses’ GDC retention fees, why the phrase “deep clean” might be one of dentistry’s most misleading terms, and how better communication can transform patient understanding and treatment acceptance. Along the way the conversation takes a few hilarious detours — including mindset, positive thinking, podcast habits, and one unforgettable dental confession. If you work in dentistry, practice management, or treatment coordination, this episode blends practical insight with the kind of honest conversation you only get in the Horton Hangout.   Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consultin

In this guest episode of The Horton Hangout Podcast, Laura and Leanna are joined by the unapologetically unfiltered Joe Lovett — founder of Catalyst Sales & Marketing. What starts as light nostalgia (dad’s suit, corporate conferences and early FMC days) quickly spirals into: “The Game of Death” after an all-you-can-eat Indian Nearly calling the police on intense dating app encounters Sliding into Outlook inboxes in the most unromantic way possible The truth about associates building personal brands LinkedIn “philanthropists” Shanghai vs Chicago Authenticity in business And a surprisingly heartfelt ending about fatherhood and love It’s chaotic. It’s honest. It’s very Horton Hangout. And yes… there’s a confession.   Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/    Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/ About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo... Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/

In this episode, Laura and Leanna dive into some of the most real and pressing challenges facing dental practices right now. They unpack the upcoming FCA changes to in-house payment plans, why unregulated credit is risky (and unethical), and what practices need to do now to stay compliant. The conversation then turns emotional, as the hosts respond to a heartfelt message from a newly appointed practice manager who feels overwhelmed, unsupported, and close to giving up. Their advice is honest, compassionate, and practical — especially for anyone who’s stepped into leadership without proper induction or training. You’ll also hear: Why regular team meetings are non-negotiable How better communication can transform practice culture A brilliant front-of-house script for handling “Are you NHS?” calls A reminder that kindness on the phone builds reputation (even when patients don’t convert) Plus… a very funny dental nurse confession involving locker pranks and smelly food

In this episode, we sit down with Payman for an open and reflective conversation about identity, ambition, and the experiences that shape who we become. Payman shares his personal journey — from early influences and internal struggles to the hard lessons learned through work, responsibility, and self-reflection. We explore what it really means to grow up, take ownership of your decisions, and build a life guided by values rather than external expectations. This is a thoughtful, honest discussion about discipline, self-belief, relationships, and the quiet moments that often define success more than the loud ones. Whether you’re navigating your own path, questioning your direction, or looking for grounded perspective, this conversation offers insight you can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover: Payman’s background and early influences Navigating identity, pressure, and expectations The difference between external success and internal fulfilment Learning responsibility through failure and accountabilit

Cooking chaos, dental career growth, caffeine controversies and the most committed dental prank you’ve ever heard — Episode 4 delivers it all. In this lively episode of the Horton Hangout, Laura and Leanna jump between kitchen disasters, career progression in dentistry, caffeine culture, patient communication upgrades, and a truly iconic prank confession. They kick things off with the now-infamous “lasagna weekend,” exploring the emotional load of cooking, relationship dynamics in the kitchen, and why slow cookers might be the real MVPs of adulthood. Then a brilliant listener question leads into an honest discussion about dental nurse development — radiography, OHE, sedation courses, CPD choices, and how to make sure your qualifications actually get used. From there, the girls plunge into the debate around energy drink age restrictions, looking at caffeine addiction, teenage access, health concerns and whether energy drinks should become 18+. It gets passionate… and slightly chocolate-fuelled. Today’s Banned

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of managing a long-standing reception team and the importance of proper training, documenting mistakes, and building confidence in your staff. Our hosts discuss real-life scenarios from busy dental practices, highlighting the struggles and successes of team development. We also share some hilarious and cringe-worthy Confessions of a Dental Nurse, including the dreaded office fridge and microwave disasters—proving that every workplace has its unique challenges and memorable moments. Whether you’re a practice manager, a receptionist, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and practical advice for improving team efficiency while keeping morale high. Highlights include: How to approach training and documenting mistakes in long-term teams. Understanding the “skills gap” and giving your staff every opportunity to grow. Corporate examples of top-tier customer service training and how it applies to smaller

In this combined  guest + cohost edition, you’ll learn: The surprising true history of the TCO role in the UK Why mindset work is essential for team success How to connect with patients on a “soul level” What really happens when a team grows too fast The emotional truth behind resentment, bonuses & fairness How to build a culture that actually works Why gratitude matters more than perks How spiritual practice and routine can change your leadership The power of meditation, chanting, walk routines & stillness Why investing in staff is never wasted — even if they leave How to separate genuine growth from toxic positivity The banned words that always make their way in AND…the confessions you didn’t see coming Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/     Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/ About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo... Laura’s instagram  https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/ Hort

Laura and Leanna are back for Episode 2 of The Horton Hangout — and it’s packed with laughs, honesty, and their signature segments: The Banned Word, The Confession, and The Horton Hangout Question!

Welcome back to Season 2 of the podcast where Leanna & Laura spill the truth, share the laughs, and break down the realities of midlife, business, and everything in between!

We're bringing something new this season...

In this episode, Laura and Leanna dive into the danger of pretending to be premium. They unpack what happens when practices or businesses talk a five-star game but fall short on substance — and how that erodes patient trust faster than you can say “paper cone cup”. Leanna shares a deeply personal story about hair loss, emotional vulnerability and a clinic that tried to take advantage — emotionally and financially. It's a powerful reminder that the best service comes from empathy, not just a fancy reception. There’s also a dental nurse prank in Confession Corner that could only have happened in the good old days, and a brilliant Hangout Question on managing persistently rude patients. Plus, this week’s banned word is short but deadly — and we’ve got a better one to use instead. In this episode:

This week Laura and Leanna reflect on their brand-new look, fresh colours and all — and why their latest rebrand brings everything full circle. They also chat about business cards, supermarket substitutions, name-blanking etiquette and how Ocado has changed Laura’s life (sort of). The Hangout Question of the Week dives into why it’s so important that the Treatment Coordinator sees the patient first. Laura shares a masterclass in patient experience, patient psychology, and the subtle difference between being helpful and accidentally becoming “the salesperson”. This week’s banned word? A classic that instantly makes your practice feel outdated. And as for Confession Corner — let’s just say it’s one of the most memorable moments yet. In this episode:

This week, Laura and Leanna answer two big listener questions – starting with what to do when your associates resist the Treatment Coordinator (TCO) role, even though it’s clearly beneficial. From communication and workflows to mindset and motivation, they cover it all. Next up: managing your mates. What happens when a dental nurse steps up to practice manager – and suddenly has to lead her friends? They get honest about leadership, friendship boundaries and what really separates good managers from great ones. Then it’s time to ban not one but two common words in dentistry – both of which carry more negativity than you might think. And finally, Confession Corner is back… with a thud. Literally. In this episode:

This week, Laura and Leanna are fresh from the ADI Team Congress and full of energy. From co-presenting treatment coordination to discussing the challenges of being a speaker and a parent, this episode is packed with professional insight — and personal honesty. They also dive into a new banned phrase, help a TCO navigate a tricky dentist dynamic, and wrap up with a confession that’s part horror film, part dental drama.   In this episode: 

In this episode of the Horton Hangout, Laura shares her unexpected journey into dentistry – a tale of cold bus stops, fish and chips, and an NHS dental practice that kick-started it all. Meanwhile, Leanna tackles a listener's question about confidence in new roles, and the pair dive into the difference between managing and leading a team. Oh – and there’s a very curly surprise in this week’s Confession Corner. In this episode:

This week’s episode is a rollercoaster of awkward confessions, heartfelt honesty, and real talk about running a dental practice. Laura and Leanna dive into everything from changing the word “patient” to “client’, to the power of transparency in financial targets, and a dental nurse’s accidental – and audible – bodily moment mid-root canal.  In this episode: 

In Episode 3, Laura and Leanna are back with plenty of laughter and a side of chaos. From speaking surprises (this btw was a wind up) to patients storming in and swinging shirts over their heads — it’s a wild one. Laura teases that Leanna might be speaking at the Dentistry Show, Laura’s idea of having a joke. She did confess to this wind up when filming wrapped up for the day! In this powerful and hilarious episode, Laura and Leanna blend heartfelt discussion with their trademark humour. They open with a moving conversation about miscarriage rights, share banned words that sabotage patient trust, and dive into workplace stories you genuinely won’t believe – including lollipops, expensive sofas, and a nurse accidentally declaring “love you” to a patient. In this episode: Leanna reflects on a brilliant training trip to Ireland – and why interactive clients make all the difference ⚖️ Did you know there’s no bereavement leave in law for miscarriages under 24 weeks? Laura breaks down what’s changing — and why it