
Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
A podcast for the CRNA industry. Discussing the important issues that happen both in, and beyond, the operating room. With Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF. Innovations & opportunities for CRNAs & APRNs. Visit our website for more great information https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ and to learn how you can get CE Credit as a CRNA just by listening to the podcast. Don’t miss our special series on CRNA History, CRNA Personal Finance & Retirement, Political Conversations, CRNA Career Issues, and our leadership series called Courage To Lead. Check out new episodes of Beyond The Mask every week with distinguished guests from the CRNA community... #anesthesiology #rn #surgery #healthcare #nurseanesthesiologist #crnaschool #nursing #srnalife #nurselife #nursingstudent #ornurse #nurseanesthesia #crnalife #nursepractitioner #medschool #anesthesialife #scrublife #icunurse #hospital #futurecrna #medical #crna #nurse #anesthesia #srna #nurseanesthetist #nurses #surgical #operatingtheatre #medicalstudent #operatingroomnurse #studentnurse #diversitycrna #ccrn #nursepractitioner #APRN #APRNchat #NPchat #midwife #NP
Latest episodes

Feb 11, 2021 • 1h 5min
Ep 115: Summit Your Everest – A CRNA’s Story of Peaks, Valleys, and World Records
If you’re in the need for inspiration, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better story than the one that Jeanne Stawiecki, CRNA, will tell on this episode. Thanks to the power of positive and determined thinking, she went from smoking two packs of cigarettes each day to setting two Guinness World Records for marathon running and mountain climbing. It’s an incredibly powerful and emotional story and one you don’t want to miss.
Read more here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-115-summit-your-everest-a-crnas-story-of-peaks-valleys-and-world-records/2796/
About our guest: https://jeannestawiecki.com/biography/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:02 – Background on Jeanne and her accomplishments
6:35 – Her childhood
9:54 – Why she began smoking
13:04 – Marathon running begins
18:54 – Changing her thoughts and mindset
21:53 – The goal of 7 marathons on 7 continents
27:33 – Health challenges
30:27 – Second Everest attempt
35:23 – Climbing travel
47:13 – What she’s doing now
48:52 – The incredible story of how she summited Everest
56:30 – Final message on being conscious every day

Feb 4, 2021 • 45min
Ep 114: Crucibles of Leadership – Overcoming Fear, Doubt, and Uncertainty to Find Your Voice with AANA CEO Dr. Randall Moore
Being the lead of an organization like the AANA takes a special set of leadership skills, but reaching that point doesn’t come without obstacles like uncertainty and doubt. Join us as we talk with AANA CEO Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, about his journey to his leadership role and how he’s handled periods of self-doubt along the way.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-114-crucibles-of-leadership-overcoming-fear-doubt-and-uncertainty-to-find-your-voice-with-aana-ceo-dr-randall-moore/2791/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
2:00 – Why is this topic important?
4:09 – Developing leadership style
7:46 – His role vs what he expected
13:05 – Essential skills of leadership
17:12 – Struggling with being happy
25:28 – Learning from failure
27:43 – The role his wife played
29:34 – What he’s good at
31:45 – The hedonic treadmill
35:03 – Advice he’d give to aspiring leaders

Jan 28, 2021 • 27min
Ep 113: Life in a 50-50 World - What Financial Impact Will It Have on CRNAs?
After watching another historic Inauguration Day, we can’t help but notice that the country has mixed feelings about where we’re headed. You can say we’re living in a 50-50 world. So as we welcome in a new administration, what can CRNAs expect from the economy moving forward and what does it mean for your finances?
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-113-life-in-a-50-50-world-preparing-crnas-financially-for-2021/2780/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
2:27 – Why we’re talking about this today
3:10 – The Social Dilemma
5:20 – New stimulus money
7:45 – Have we always had this large divide?
9:00 – The stock market
12:11 – Event-driven economic problems
14:47 – Tax concerns
18:16 – Investing in the market this year
22:15 – The key is having a plan

Jan 21, 2021 • 51min
Ep 112: Courage to Lead – Two-Term AANA President Peggy McFadden, CRNA, BS
The next installment of our Presidential Leadership Series features Peggy McFadden, CRNA, BS, who actually served two terms as the AANA president. Join us as we look back on her impressive career and learn what challenges were facing the AANA in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-112-courage-to-lead-two-term-aana-president-peggy-mcfadden-crna-bs/2775/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:17 – Background on Peggy’s life and career
5:25 – Challenges of the first term
16:10 – Replacing the Executive Director
19:00 – Medicare reimbursement
23:58 – Back for a second term
27:07 – Highlights of the second term
33:56 – What would she do differently?
36:29 – Her message to young CRNAs
39:58 – Running for public office
41:40 – Her hobbies
44:25 – Final thoughts

Jan 14, 2021 • 47min
Ep 111: Finally! Two South Dakota CRNAs Elected to State Legislatures
While there’s plenty we want to forget about 2020, there was also a bit of history we want to spotlight. Sydney Davis, CRNA, and Taylor Rehfeldt, CRNA, became the first two CRNAs to be elected to a state legislature during the November 3 general election in South Dakota. Join us as we celebrate their story, find out why they pursued office, and learn about the issues they’re focusing on.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-111-finally-two-south-dakota-crnas-elected-to-state-legislatures/2769/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
4:23 – Welcoming our special guests today
8:34 – Did they plan for this career in politics?
9:31 – Background on the election
13:54 – Innovative ways to campaign
15:51 – What made them go down this path?
21:33 – How much money was raised?
24:21 – Did the anesthesiologists come after you?
26:25 – Marketing as a nurse vs nurse anesthetist
29:02 – Why women and moms should run for office
30:47 – How has your family handled this?
36:19 – The issues Taylor wants to tackle
39:57 – Did being a nurse help your campaigns?

Jan 7, 2021 • 1h 24min
Ep 110: A Conversation with Powerful Women
In recent years, we’ve watched women rise to levels of power previously never seen. While it’s been an amazing evolution to watch, there’s still plenty of inequality in the world. Today we’ll take a look at the top issues in our country as it relates to women and discuss the pivotal roles women have played over the years. Kimberly Gordon, CRNA, and Judge April Wood join Sharon and Jeremy for a roundtable discussion.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-110-a-conversation-with-powerful-women/2760/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:06 – Is Jeremy ready for this show?
4:25 – Introducing our guests
10:33 – Amy Coney Barrett
15:35 – Coronavirus impact on elections
21:22 – Great quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg
25:38 – Should the Supreme Court be a lifetime appointment?
36:36 – The Equal Rights Amendment
39:57 – Woman’s role in the family
53:40 – Why has the ERA never passed?
55:59 – Making less money than male counterparts
1:02:17 – Do women put their careers on hold for family?
1:08:55 – Are men okay with women making more?
1:12:10 – Jeremy’s cat

Dec 31, 2020 • 53min
Ep 109: Goodbye 2020 – How to Financially Prepare for 2021 and Beyond
We’ve finally reached the end of 2020 and everyone is looking forward to turning the page to a new year. These past ten months have been a financial burden on so many CRNAs and their family and friends, but now is an opportunity to assess your future and make the changes you need. Financial planning can feel overwhelming so we put together a checklist to guide you through the most important areas of your money.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-109-goodbye-2020-how-to-financially-prepare-for-2021-and-beyond/2754/
Learn more about CRNA Financial Planning: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
6:52 – How Sharon & Jeremy feel about the vaccine
9:49 – The financial topics we’re going to cover on this show
12:03 – Are you scared?
13:21 – People have spent less this year
14:58 – Make sure you have your emergency reserve fund
16:20 – Should you refinance your mortgage?
20:00 – Have you checked your credit recently?
26:21 – Investing considerations for 2021
29:20 – Where will taxes go in the future
31:52 – Retirement contributions
33:20 – College funding
34:20 – If you’re getting close to retirement
38:32 – Charitable giving
41:54 – Estate planning
46:55 – Thoughts on the continuing rise in CRNA salaries.
49:32 – What could the government do differently?

Dec 24, 2020 • 58min
Ep 108: Honoring the Legacy of John Garde, CRNA, MS, FAAN
When you think back on the history of the AANA, few people left a legacy like John Garde, CRNA, MS, FAAN. A former President, Education Director, and Executive Director, Garde played a critical role in the growth and prominence of the organization and he made a positive impact on so many CRNAs. Today we honor his legacy and share our memories of this gift to our profession, and we’ll have the help of Nancy Bruton-Maree and Sandy Ouellette to do it. Plus, we’ll have a special montage at the end of the episode that you won’t want to miss.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-108-honoring-the-legacy-of-john-garde-crna-ms-faan/2749/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this show:
1:57 – Honoring John Garde on today’s show
3:07 – He remembered everyone
4:51 – John’s early life
8:18 – How he became a nurse anesthetist
9:50 – Some of his major contributions to the profession and AANA
12:20 – A lot happening with the AANA in the early 1980s
14:24 – The other organizations he served
16:14 – John’s leadership style at the AANA
21:56 – The awards he received
23:18 – Quotes about John
26:36 – Work hard, play hard
28:40 – The t-shirt he got at retirement
30:32 – Closing thoughts on John
37:37 – Special montage to honor and remember John

Dec 17, 2020 • 43min
Ep 107: Mrs. Georgia American Using Her Platform for CRNA Awareness and Support for Healthcare Workers
None of us will soon forget this year, but 2020 has been especially life-changing for Christen Roberts, CRNA. Over the past year she’s created Bambu bracelets to support healthcare workers across the country and became the first Mrs. Georgia American. Both platforms have given her an opportunity to increase awareness for the CRNA profession and she joins us to tell us about this amazing journey.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-107-mrs-georgia-american-using-her-platform-for-crna-awareness-and-support-for-healthcare-workers/2744/
About our guest: https://bambustrong.com/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this show:
2:38 – Welcome in Christen Roberts, CRNA and Mrs. Georgia American
6:50 – Her background as a CRNA
9:12 – Anesthesia school
13:06 – Why this topic is important to her
15:00 – How the idea for bracelets came to be
18:40 – Financial challenges for 1099 employees
20:52 – Why she competed for Mrs. Georgia American
23:16 – How she’s using her platforms to bring awareness to the CRNA profession
25:09 – The upcoming national pageant
26:18 – Explaining what CRNAs do
28:53 – Their goals for the bracelets and how to get one
31:17 – How they socially distanced at the pageant
33:04 – Her favorite word
34:26 – Is your Christmas tree up?
35:33 – A final message from Christen

Dec 10, 2020 • 43min
Ep 106: The Impact of COVID 19 on Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs with Erin Martin, CRNA, DNP
The wide-ranging effects of COVID on the healthcare system have been well-documented, but what impact is this pandemic having on nurse anesthesia students and educational programs? Erin Martin, CRNA, DNP, is the Program Director at the Mayo Nurse Anesthesia Program and has seen the changes first-hand. She joins the show to share her experience this year and tell us what it could mean for the future of the profession.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-106-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-nurse-anesthesia-educational-programs-with-erin-martin-crna-dnp/2738/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this show:
2:33 – Welcome in Erin Martin
3:52 – Why this is an important topic
5:27 – Program admissions
8:27 – What’s been the biggest challenge?
10:20 – Dealing with the lack of PPE
12:31 – How she helped students on the mental health side
16:06 – Repercussions for being out of clinical for six weeks
21:21 – Experiences that students are missing out on
26:13 – New students haven’t ever been in a room together
29:26 – What happens after this all stops?
31:31 – What would you tell someone thinking about applying to an anesthesia program?
34:53 – Showing empathy to these students
37:37 – Final message from Erin