

Beyond Clean Podcast
Beyond Clean Podcast
Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? Beyond Clean offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right -- every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessing and provide commentary on the biggest issues facing Sterile Processing professionals, facilities, administrators, manufacturers, and vendors. Join us every week as we explore the hidden world of one of the most important aspect of safe surgical care.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 33min
Planet Assembly - That’s a Wrap! The Science & Practice of Surgical Wrap
Tears, holes, and mystery micro-leaks—if wrap issues are slowing down your workflows, it might be time to understand what's really going on with your surgical wrap. On this episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Assembly, Sade Brown, PhD, Research & Development Engineer at Owens & Minor, breaks down the science, design, and vulnerabilities that could be putting your sterile barriers at risk. From bacterial filtration efficiency to the delicate balance of porosity, she’ll reveal the key factors that keep surgical wrap working—and explain why stacking those heavy trays might be doing more damage than you think. Whether you're chasing down mystery holes or just want to know what's really keeping your trays safe, this conversation could change how you think about every tray you wrap! Season 29 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-04 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #SurgicalWrap #SterileBarriers #BlueWrap

Jul 27, 2025 • 42min
StreetClothes: The Mixologist
On this episode of StreetClothes, we speak with a clinician with a passion for serving up something smooth, stirred, and served straight up with a twist. From experimenting with unexpected ingredients to selecting the perfect glassware, this mixologist blends flavor and creativity into every cocktail she creates. Tune in to hear how Lindsey Joyce shakes off the day and stirs up something entirely her own—one pour at a time. If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world! #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Jul 21, 2025 • 36min
Planet Assembly - Counting on Accuracy: The Power of a Well-Built Count Sheet
Why do some trays come together like a perfect puzzle, while others feel like a never-ending scavenger hunt for missing instruments? This week, we're joined by Jake McHugh, Clinical Education and Training Specialist with Agiliti, to dive deep into how count sheets can make or break your assembly workflows. From the frustration of vague descriptions like "long right angle" to the relief of organized, systematic naming that actually makes sense, Jake shares insights from his years of building count sheets that work for techs instead of against them. Whether you're constantly playing detective with confusing count sheets or looking to streamline your current system, this conversation will give you the roadmap to transform your assembly workflows from chaos to efficiency – one count sheet at a time! Season 29 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-03 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #CountSheet #Assembly #Workflows

Jul 14, 2025 • 36min
Planet Assembly - Fast Track or Fault Line? Balancing Assembly Velocity with Vigilance
Which is more important in assembly: speed or safety? Quality or quantity? On this episode of Beyond Clean’s Planet Assembly, we sit down with Lindell Handy, a seasoned Sterile Processing traveler who's just about seen it all. From crushing productivity demands to stepping into departments with a whole different set of pressures, Lindell breaks down why both speed and accuracy are non-negotiable—because patient safety demands trays that are both correct and on time. Whether you're drowning in high case volume or fighting impossible turnaround times, this is one conversation that could change how you think about balancing productivity and perfection in your SPD! Season 29 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-02 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #Productivity #Speed #Accuracy

Jul 13, 2025 • 53min
StreetClothes: The Woodturner
On this episode of our StreetClothes human-interest podcast series, we talk to a healthcare professional who finds calm, clarity, and a spark of creativity behind the lathe. For him, woodturning is more than just a hobby—it’s a release, a reset, and a reminder that even a simple block of wood can become something beautiful with time, focus, and the right tools. Tune in to hear how Joseph Martin’s passion for woodturning brings a hands-on kind of balance to life beyond the hospital… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world! #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Jul 11, 2025 • 2min
Green Initiatives, Financial Impact | Expert Series On-The-Go
On this week's edition of the Beyond Clean Expert Series On-The-Go, tune in for the conversation entitled, "Green Initiatives, Financial Impact," with our Multi-Tray Sterilization Expert™, Kelly Truppo. To hear more from this expert, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the Beyond Clean mailing list by visiting: http://www.beyondcleanmedia.com Do you know a #SterileProcessing expert who you'd love to hear from on our series? Or do you have a question for one of our current experts? Contact us at any time via email at: info@beyondclean.net Until next time, keep fighting dirty! #BeyondClean #ExpertSeries #Podcast

Jul 7, 2025 • 39min
Planet Assembly - Table Talk: Making your SPD Workstations Work
Multiple sizes of peel packs, indicators scattered everywhere, and that "mystery drawer" of surprises—if this describes your assembly area, you're not alone! In this Season 29 premiere of Beyond Clean’s “Planet Assembly,” Jenni Gibbs joins us to share how she transformed her department's assembly table chaos using 5S principles and ergonomic workstations that actually work for the people using them. From workplace injury data that convinced leadership to invest, to the surprising quality improvements that followed, Jenni breaks down the practical steps that turned her SPD’s cluttered assembly tables into standardized success stories. Whether you're battling budget constraints or just tired of hunting for tip protectors in cluttered drawers, this episode is your guide to organizing your assembly area the LEAN way—and keeping it that way! Season 29 of Beyond Clean releases under the 1 Episode = 1 CE delivery model. After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode29-01 Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season29 #PlanetAssembly #SPDWorkstations #AssemblyTables

Jul 5, 2025 • 39min
Everything is Cleaner in Texas: Fighting Dirty in West Texas
What does it really take to #FightDirty out in West Texas? In this week’s episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass sit down with Lea Clift to explore the grit, grace, and innovation powering Sterile Processing in rural West Texas. From her military roots to shaping the next generation of #CleanFreaks, Lea shares what it takes to lead with heart and hustle—no matter how small the team or big the challenge. If you’ve ever had to do more with less, this episode delivers the encouragement—and honesty—you’ve been looking for. Don’t miss this season finale, y’all—it’s bold, brilliant, and built Texas tough! A special thanks to our sponsor, STERIS, for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and excellence in the Sterile Processing industry has been instrumental in bringing this series to life. Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you never miss a new episode! After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #STERIS #EverythingIsCleanerInTexas #SterileProcessing

Jun 29, 2025 • 41min
StreetClothes: The Hiker
On this episode of StreetClothes, we talk to a healthcare professional who spends her time away from the hospital chasing trails and wide-open views. Whether she’s trekking solo through Iceland or tackling steep paths with friends, this adventurer finds peace wherever her hiking boots take her. Tune in to hear how Brenna Doran embraces the calm and clarity of the outdoors—one step, one trail, and one hike at a time… If you like this series OR have an interesting side-hustle, passion project, or hobby you do outside of your hospital day job that keeps you inspired, refreshed, and motivated, we'd love to hear from you! Message Hank Balch on LinkedIn for a chance to come on the show and share it with the world! #StreetClothes #Hobbies #SideHustles #PeopleMatter #Healthcare #BeyondClean #FirstCase #PowerSupply #TransmissionControl #HealthcareHQ

Jun 28, 2025 • 38min
Everything is Cleaner in Texas: SPD Recruiting & Retention in a Major Metroplex
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the opportunities in Sterile Processing recruiting! In this week’s episode of Everything is Cleaner in Texas, hosts Hank Balch and Dusty Glass sit down with Shevelle Speed to talk career ladders, leadership, and what it takes to build (and keep!) a strong team in one of the country’s largest healthcare hubs. From an unforgettable personal journey to system-wide recruiting strategies that actually work, Shevelle shares what’s possible when leaders lead with heart and vision. If you’re looking for tips on growing a strong, high-performing SPD team, this conversation brings the Texas-sized insight every leader needs. A special thanks to our sponsor, STERIS, for making this series possible! Their commitment to education and excellence in the Sterile Processing industry has been instrumental in bringing this series to life. Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook so you never miss a new episode! After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked below each week. Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits. #BeyondClean #STERIS #EverythingIsCleanerInTexas #SterileProcessing