
Out of Breath
More than 30 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous and deadly disease that the healthcare community is struggling to put a dent in.
We have effective treatments, namely CPAP and oral appliance therapy, but the industry is in the throws of a controversy that’s pitting dentists against physicians, device manufacturers against each other, and has left many with questions about the scope of practice, who can practice dental sleep medicine, and what the future of medico-dental collaboration looks like.
Join Madan Kandula, MD, and Jason Tierney for unfiltered conversations about what’s working in sleep medicine collaborations, what isn’t, and what a brighter future will look like.
Latest episodes

Mar 20, 2024 • 26min
Leaders Are Readers - S2E7 - Out of Breath Podcast
In this lively discussion, hosts reminisce about their childhood reading experiences and favorite genres. They dive into the pros and cons of tactile books versus digital formats, highlighting cognitive benefits and personal significance. The conversation shifts to their journeys from mandatory reading to rediscovering the joy of engaging books. Personal reading habits are revealed, emphasizing the life-changing impact of specific titles. They passionately advocate for reading as a means of personal growth, celebrating its enriching qualities over modern distractions.

Mar 14, 2024 • 10min
Schadenfreude - S2 Bonus 2 - Out of Breath Podcast
Dive into the intriguing world of schadenfreude as it is explored through the lens of the Philips CPAP recall. Discover how social media amplifies our reactions to others' misfortunes and discuss cultural examples that highlight this phenomenon. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas arising from corporate failures in healthcare, as well as the impact of the recall on dental practices. Could oral appliance therapy be a rising star as an alternative treatment? Tune in to learn about adapting to shifting patient needs in today's healthcare landscape.

10 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 33min
Slaughtering Sacred Cows - S2E6 - Out of Breath Podcast
Explore the pivotal role of the upper airway in enhancing patient care and quality of life. Delve into the complexities of sleep apnea treatments, emphasizing nasal health and its impact on oral appliance therapy. Discover the need to challenge conventional beliefs in dental sleep medicine, advocating for a patient-centered approach. The hosts highlight the lack of awareness about sleep apnea and stress the importance of clearer communication for better healthcare outcomes.

Feb 28, 2024 • 28min
Living with Purpose - S2E5 - Out of Breath Podcast
The hosts explore the power of having drive and its impact on success. They reflect on the evolving roles of parents and children, touching on the fears of obsolescence. Insights from the complexities of Elon Musk's legacy offer a glimpse into how driven individuals balance personal struggles with technological contributions. The importance of empowering leadership is highlighted, alongside a humorous take on driving a Tesla. They also discuss how societal views on legacy and lifestyle choices can shift over time.

Feb 21, 2024 • 37min
Let’s GO DEEP - S2E4 - Out of Breath Podcast
Delve into the journey of writing a book, where personal doubts and the struggle against resistance are real challenges. Explore the emotional hurdles of vulnerability and criticism in creative pursuits. Discover the 'GO DEEP' framework that emphasizes vision, execution, and the power of adaptability. Learn how organizational culture and leadership shape success, and why action often trumps perfection, especially in healthcare. Lastly, embrace the beauty of imperfection and the learning that comes from experience.

Feb 14, 2024 • 38min
A Culture of Winning - S2E3 - Out of Breath Podcast
The hosts dive into the challenges of business growth, emphasizing teamwork over individual success. They discuss managing clinical consistency across networks and the balance between standardization and clinician freedom. The intricacies of people management in healthcare are explored, highlighting the importance of a winning culture. Competition in dental practices against larger corporations is likened to David vs. Goliath, stressing agility and patient relationships. Humor is woven in as they tackle personal responsibility and the human experience of envy.

5 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 33min
Sleep Medicine Wall - S2E2 - Out of Breath Podcast
Explore the disconnect between the medical and dental fields in sleep medicine, highlighting the need for collaboration to improve patient care. Discover the struggles dentists face in incorporating sleep medicine, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement. Delve into the impact of daylight savings on health and the necessity for individual-driven change. Learn about the challenges healthcare clinicians face while embracing transformation and the role of charisma in effective leadership.

Jan 30, 2024 • 37min
Catching Breath - S2E1 - Out of Breath Podcast
The hosts reflect on feedback from the previous season and discuss what was left unsaid. They explore the complexities of personal relationships in healthcare and emphasize the importance of honest dialogues. Insights into the dental sleep community reveal misunderstandings about qualifications and the integration of medical practices. The emotional highs of shared experiences at events, like Taylor Swift concerts, highlight the significance of community, especially after isolation during COVID-19. They advocate for personalized treatment options in dental care.

7 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 33min
Kicking Down Doors (Ep 6)
Delve into the urgent need for transformative changes in sleep apnea treatment, as experts advocate for collaboration between health and dental professionals. Explore the complex challenges within the airway crisis and the accountability of specialists while maintaining a spark of optimism. Discover the historical evolution of sleep apnea understanding and treatment, from initial neglect to promising advancements. The conversation inspires individual responsibility and collective action, drawing parallels to monumental changes in history.

Oct 11, 2023 • 32min
The Aftermath (Ep 5)
Dive into the heated controversy surrounding Madan Kandula and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Explore the emotional impact of fear in healthcare decisions and the advocacy for oral appliance therapy as a vital option. Discover how building community connections can enhance patient care amidst challenges from the ENT community. Reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and positive growth in professional dialogues, while recognizing the need for better communication within the dental sleep medicine community.