

The Lifestyle Practice Podcast For Dentists
Justin Short, Derek Williams, Steve Van De Graaff, Matt Vogt
The Lifestyle Practice Podcast was created to help dentists obtain their desired life by creating uncommonly successful dental practices.Ready to work with us? Visit thelifestylepractice.com for more information
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2025 • 17min
272. How to Manage It All Without Losing Yourself
In this episode of the Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Steve Van DeGraff shares valuable insights and strategies to help dentists achieve better work-life balance. Amidst juggling responsibilities as a dentist, business owner, and parent, Dr. Van DeGraff offers practical tips to stay present, take decisive action, seek mentorship, and prioritize effectively. Tune in to learn how to prevent work from creeping into personal life, manage stress, and improve both professional and personal well-being.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Aug 18, 2025 • 29min
271. 5 Moves to Win Your First Year of Ownership
Buying a practice can feel like stepping onto a moving treadmill set at full speed. Most new owners scramble to fix the wrong problems, burn out their team, and miss the opportunities right in front of them.
In this episode, Derek shares the five action items that separate thriving first-year owners from the ones barely keeping up. These aren’t theory — they’re hard-won lessons from his own journey and from coaching over 50 dentists through acquisitions. One of them might be the very thing you’re overlooking right now.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Aug 11, 2025 • 27min
270. Speed Wins: Why Fast Action Separates High Performers from Everyone Else
Speed is the secret weapon of the most successful dentists. In this episode, Matt breaks down why fast action leads to faster growth and how hesitation kills momentum. If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start executing, this one’s for you.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Aug 4, 2025 • 20min
269. How To Handle Your Student Loans
In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, host Dr. Steve Van De Graaff addresses the overwhelming burden of student loans for new dentists. Steve discusses strategies for managing and paying off student debt, including utilizing the new SAVE repayment plan and the benefits of investing in a highly profitable dental practice. He emphasizes the importance of financial freedom, flexibility, and building a thriving practice to overcome financial challenges. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration to transform your financial future.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jul 28, 2025 • 18min
268. You’re Already the Leader - Now Own It
Are you hesitant to step into your role as a leader - especially after acquiring a practice? In this episode, Derek shares a coaching story that will resonate with any new owner who feels unsure about holding meetings, sharing their vision, or setting expectations.
You’ll hear how one doctor overcame her fear, led her first team meeting, and was surprised by the team’s enthusiastic response. Derek breaks down why your team actually wants you to lead, the most common mindset blocks holding doctors back, and the key ingredients every team is craving: clarity, vision, accountability, and recognition.
Plus, practical takeaways to help you start small, lead intentionally, and elevate the energy of your entire practice—without needing to be perfect.
Leadership isn’t optional. Your team is already following someone—make sure it’s you.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jul 21, 2025 • 47min
267. Should I BUY or START a practice? (Flashback)
In this flashback episode, Derek and Matt put their heads together and share their experiences with benefits and drawbacks of purchasing vs starting a practice. If you're considering ownership, this episode is a must! Also some fun conversation about exit strategy!
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jul 14, 2025 • 16min
266. Can You Give Us Health Insurance?
What benefits should you offer your employees? Should you be doing more or less? How do you say no? Steve talks about how to make decisions on employee benefits. Get this right to create and retain a great team.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jul 7, 2025 • 31min
265. Are You Working TOO MUCH?! (Flashback)
Join Derek in this frequently passed over lesson from 5 years ago. Take time to reconsider your weekly schedule in your practice.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jun 30, 2025 • 44min
264. Behind the Ropes: Matt’s Personal Recap of Playing in the U.S. Open
In this powerful and personal episode, Derek welcomes Matt back to the Lifestyle Practice Podcast for a deep dive into his surreal week competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont—his hometown course where he once caddied. Matt opens up about the emotional whirlwind of walking onto the grounds as a player, hitting the first tee shot of the championship, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.
But this episode is more than just golf. Matt shares the real behind-the-scenes of managing nerves, handling media attention, staying composed under pressure, and staying true to who he is amidst the noise. He reflects on how this once-in-a-lifetime experience shaped his mindset, impacted his dental practice, and reinforced the importance of personal growth, self-image, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Whether you're a golfer, dentist, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, this episode is a masterclass in performance, humility, and living life with intention. Tune in for heartfelt stories, real lessons, and inspiration that lasts far beyond 18 holes.
This episode will help you rethink success, inspire your team, and align your practice around a shared vision of excellence.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com

Jun 23, 2025 • 14min
263. Three Tips to Make Staff Management Way Easier
Staff is the #1 source of stress for most dentists. Steve shares pearls you can use right away to save yourself headaches and improve your team's performance.
This episode will help you rethink success, inspire your team, and align your practice around a shared vision of excellence.
Connect with us:
• Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching
• Get access to TLP Academy
• Suscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast
• Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com
• Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com


