Best Plain Zero Podcasts (2025)

1
Finding Justice in a Broken Foster Care System 25:18

2d ago25:18

25:18

We confront the reality of injustice in foster care and explore how to effectively advocate for change without burning out or losing sight of our purpose. From recognizing that not every battle is ours to fight, to making strategic relationships within the system, these seven practical tips help foster parents navigate the broken parts of the syste…

1
Foundations for the Foster Care Journey 32:25

17d ago32:25

32:25

The foundations you build before welcoming foster children into your home will determine whether you merely survive or truly thrive in this challenging calling. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, this episode walks you through four essential preparations every prospective foster parent needs to prioritize. How are you…

1
Seeing and Filling Gaps in Foster Care with Amanda Preston 48:16

24d ago48:16

48:16

What happens when your foster care journey leads you to places you never imagined? Amanda Preston knows this path intimately - from young newlyweds dreaming of "opening an orphanage" to becoming adoptive parents of eight children, veteran foster parents of 16 years, and eventually establishing a mental health clinic supporting neurodivergent famili…

1
This is how AI will change medtech (and how you can take advantage) 49:27

1M ago49:27

49:27

I'm joined by Santosh Iyer, Founder and CEO of Moonshot, as we explore the mission to train the modern healthcare workforce in emerging technologies, the true potential of AI in medtech, and strategies for innovating within highly regulated healthcare environments. In this episode, we dive deep into: Moonshot's Mission and Vision → Training healthc…

1
Beyond the Buzzwords: Why Trauma Knowledge Transforms Parenting with Melissa Pemberton 43:06

1M ago43:06

43:06

Stepping into foster care or adoption without understanding trauma is like trying to navigate unfamiliar terrain without a map. That's why this conversation with Melissa Pemberton, a trauma-aware licensed therapist and parent coach with over 20 years of experience in child welfare, is absolutely essential listening for anyone caring for children fr…

1
This surgeon built a $10M medtech startup as the Chief of Shoulder Surgery at Duke 38:39

2M ago38:39

38:39

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Oke Anakwenze, CEO of SutureTech and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke University, as we explore his journey from practicing surgeon to medtech entrepreneur and the development of RapidFix - the world's first all-suture staple for tendon repair. In this episode, we breakdown: The Surgeon's Path to Innovation…

1
Breaking the Cycle: Parenting with Trauma Awareness with April Ficklin 58:05

2M ago58:05

58:05

What happens when the romanticized dream of adoption crashes into the complex realities of parenting children from trauma? April Ficklin knows this collision intimately. From a teenage mission trip where she first felt called to adoption, to the Good Friday when her family doubled overnight with the addition of two siblings from foster care, April'…

1
497: Teen Wolf 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

Time is running out. Give me a keg of beer. Win in the end. Nick loves basketball.By Plain Zero

1
This Doctor’s SaaS Product is Saving Hospitals $$$ | How SeamlessMD Digitizes Patient Care Journeys 44:56

2M ago44:56

44:56

I'm joined by Dr. Joshua Liu, Co-founder and CEO of SeamlessMD, as we explore the journey from practicing physician to digital health entrepreneur and the strategies behind building a successful patient engagement platform that enhances care journeys through innovative technology. In this episode, we dive deep into: The Digital Patient GPS → How Se…

1
496: National Lampoon's European Vacation 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

Time marches on. Pigs in a poke. The Griswold’s are looking for sex. The end is coming.By Plain Zero

1
Faith in the Trenches 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

God shows up in extraordinary ways for foster parents when we embrace the truth that we're participating in His holy work of restoration and redemption. • His grace is sufficient for our weakness, covering our doubts, fears, and mistakes • New mercies arrive each morning—only when we need them, not a moment sooner • Hard things are exactly what Jes…

1
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Medtech Marketing Strategy Everyone's Overlooking 45:40

2M ago45:40

45:40

I'm joined by Kyle Kruse, VP of Sales at Missile Productions, as we explore how medical device manufacturers can use video to cut through the noise, build authentic connections, and drive growth in an industry that's been slow to embrace digital marketing. In this episode, we break down: The Power of Personal Branding in Medtech → How Kyle's "Kruse…

1
Beyond Behavior Management: The Parent's Journey to Felt Safety 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

The tension between fostering deep relationships and managing difficult behaviors sits at the heart of every foster and adoptive parent's journey. In this deeply personal exploration, we uncover why our focus often shifts from connection to control—and the surprising neurological reasons behind it. When behaviors are under control and there's order…

1
Why Hospitals Keep Saying 'No' to Breakthrough Medtech (And How to Change Their Minds) 39:37

2M ago39:37

39:37

I'm joined by Stewart Clark, healthcare consultant and strategy expert with extensive experience in health system operations, service line planning, and healthcare M&A. From his journey through Cleveland Clinic's administrative fellowship to consulting on healthcare ventures globally, Stewart shares invaluable insights on how medtech companies can …

1
495: Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping 58:01

3M ago58:01

58:01

The gang falls back into a groove. Five hundred inches closer. The Lonely Island is enjoyed. The end continues.By Plain Zero

1
Before You Correct in Trauma Parenting 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

What happens in that critical moment when your child's behavior pushes your buttons? That split second before you respond determines whether your correction will actually work or simply bounce off ineffectively. Foster and adoptive parents know the struggle all too well—the same behaviors repeating despite countless corrections. But what if the key…

1
The Device That Collapsed a $10B Market (How Stent Innovation Changed Medicine Forever) 31:55

3M ago31:55

31:55

I'm joined by Steve Maxson, innovation and business development leader at US Extruders, owner of Maxson Insights Services, and host of the MedEx and MedTech Unbox Podcasts, as we explore the fascinating world of stent technology and delivery systems. With over 20 years of industry experience, Steve leverages his vast network to assist contract manu…

1
494: Over The Top 58:30

3M ago58:30

58:30

The band gets back together. An announcement is made. The guys go over the top. The end begins.By Plain Zero

1
Can You Really Help a Child If You Haven't Healed? 21:26

3M ago21:26

21:26

We explore the critical importance of healing for foster and adoptive parents, emphasizing how past experiences shape our parenting. Understanding ourselves allows us to nurture our children effectively while providing the love they need. • Exploring the concept of healing and being a steady presence • The impact of past traumas on parenting styles…

1
Episode 9: Kickin' It Old School 45:18

3M ago45:18

45:18

This week on The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad go full nostalgia mode, diving into the generational divide between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. From the joy of mixtapes to the dangers of early internet chat rooms, they break down what made growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s absolutely legendary—and why today’s kids will never understand the thri…

1
Episode 8: Work-From-Work 41:58

3M ago41:58

41:58

This week on The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad tackle the great work-from-home debate—is it the future of employment, or is it just a free pass to get paid while binge-watching Netflix? They break down the real stats behind remote work productivity, share some absolutely wild excuses people use to avoid coming into the office, and discuss why m…

1
When We Aren't Enough- Navigating Out of Home Care with Anna Bernacki 1:05:49

3M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

We explore the complexities of foster care and adoption and the emotional toll trauma takes on families, emphasizing the importance of candid conversations about these challenges. Anna Bernacki shares her personal journey through adoption and how faith has guided her family. • The importance of discussing difficult topics within foster care • Diffe…

1
How this CEO spent $1m on consultants with zero results (and what he did next) 42:20

3M ago42:20

42:20

From Sales Rep to Manufacturing Innovator: Breaking Down Medical Device Development Barriers Jason Scherer, CEO of VitaTek, shares how frustration with traditional medical device development led him to build the largest privately-owned medical device manufacturer in Minnesota, offering true end-to-end capabilities. In this episode, we explore: Spee…

1
The Things We Don't Say Out Loud in Foster Care and Adoption 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

The latest episode explores the multifaceted challenges of foster care and adoption, inviting listeners to engage with the often unspoken truths of this journey. By addressing hard topics with compassion, the episode emphasizes the importance of validating the experiences of caregivers and children alike while encouraging open conversations. • Vali…

1
Episode 7: The Valentine's Day Conspiracy 39:10

3M ago39:10

39:10

This week on The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad break down the Valentine’s Day machine—is it about love or just a money grab for Hershey's and Hallmark? They cover Red Tuesday breakups, the true history of Valentine’s Day, and whether Singles Awareness Day is a joke or a movement. Plus, Chad has strong feelings about heart-shaped jewelry, and Ro…

1
Episode 6: Bad Boy For Life 42:24

4M ago42:24

42:24

This week on The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad tackle everything from their near-death experiences with Gary Payton’s car to the controversy surrounding P Diddy’s criminal allegations. They also reflect on the Seattle SuperSonics' disappearance, the 2025 Grammy Awards, and Beyoncé’s surprise country album win (because, sure, why not?). Then, th…

1
Spiritual Armor for Foster and Adoptive Families 22:02

4M ago22:02

22:02

This episode explores the spiritual warfare that foster parents face as they navigate their unique challenges. By emphasizing the importance of guarding our minds, nurturing relationships, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude, we equip ourselves to combat discouragement and support each other through this journey. • Understanding spiri…

1
Episode 5: GOAT or BLOAT? 39:01

4M ago39:01

39:01

This week on The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad dive into the world of fantasy football, the upcoming Super Bowl, and the controversy surrounding Patrick Mahomes. Is he truly a legendary quarterback, or is he just a product of a strong team and a little bit of luck? Chad has some strong opinions (surprise, surprise). They also take shots at the …

1
6 Signs That You Are Headed For Burnout 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

Overwhelming exhaustion is a challenge that many foster and adoptive parents experience, often without acknowledgment. This episode discusses burnout's signs, neurological impact, and practical steps toward healing and renewal. • Exploring the definition of burnout what it looks like in parents • Recognizing signs indicating a move in that directio…

1
Episode 4: Cyberwhat? Real Truck or Just Plain Yuck? 45:33

4M ago45:33

45:33

In this episode of The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad cover everything from holiday spending burnout to futuristic restaurant robots that may or may not steal your pizza. They share their thoughts on the rise of AI, self-driving cars, and the jaw-dropping story of a Waymo taxi that refused to let a passenger out—because, you know, technology. Pl…

1
493: Look Who's Talking 40:01

4M ago40:01

40:01

As our return continues, we used a movie to address the elephant in the room. That elephant being that we were gone for so long because Travis had a baby. So why not take this as a moment ask if Look Who’s Talking holds up?!By Plain Zero

1
Fostering Compassion: The Heart of the Father 17:31

4M ago17:31

17:31

The episode dives deep into the challenges foster parents face, emphasizing the necessity of grace for both parents and children. It explores the importance of self-care amidst stress and the transformative power of faith through the story of the Prodigal Son. • Sharing personal struggles with stress and parenting • The vital need for self-care amo…

1
Episode 3: To Recline or Decline? 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad take to the skies—well, metaphorically—discussing the anxieties of flying, their wildest airline pet peeves, and whether reclining your seat on a plane is a right or a privilege. From stories of extreme sports and rickety flights to a fiery debate about airline etiquette, this episode will ha…

1
492: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 43:24

4M ago43:24

43:24

By Plain Zero

1
Foster Care Narratives with Johnna Stein 35:31

5M ago35:31

35:31

Jonna Stein's "Untangling Hope" beautifully captures the intricate emotions of a foster child navigating trauma and the longing for belonging. In our discussion, we explore themes of empathy, understanding trauma, and the importance of fostering conversations about these experiences among parents, children, and their communities. • Exploring the jo…

1
Design to Win: How Medtech Startups Can Outmaneuver Industry Giants 46:47

5M ago46:47

46:47

I'm joined by Dennis Lenard, design expert and CEO of Creative Navy, as we explore the critical role of evidence-based design in creating successful medical devices and interfaces. With 15 years of experience in medical interface design, Dennis shares insights on how startups can leverage design to compete with incumbents and create better user exp…

1
Episode 2: The Die Hard Debate 35:37

5M ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of The Ground Zero Podcast, Rob and Chad dive into holiday gift-giving, the joys (and woes) of cash over presents, and their hot takes on recent movies. They share personal holiday traditions, recount the struggles of modern real estate, and kick off their new “Bomb Drop of the Week” segment with the explosive Die Hard debate. Tune …

1
Fostering Connections: Using Food to Bridge Gaps and Empower Children with Chef Kibby 35:38

5M ago35:38

35:38

Chef Kibby shares how he uses food and hunger as a language of connection, drawing from 25 years of culinary expertise and 16 years as a foster and adoptive dad. Discover his unique perspective on how the simple act of cooking can bridge gaps and build lasting relationships. With personal anecdotes and biblical insights, we explore how food has bee…

1
Episode 1: Episode 1.01 - New Year, No Resolutions! 40:34

5M ago40:34

40:34

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Ground Zero Podcast! Rob and Chad kick off Season 1 with a lively discussion about holiday traditions, New Year’s resolutions, and the lessons learned from navigating life and business. This episode lays the foundation for the show’s dynamic style and even inspires the idea for the soon-to-come weekly “Bomb D…

1
The secrets inside big medtech companies [how they really innovate] 35:54

5M ago35:54

35:54

Join Spencer Jones as he sits down with Brad Shirley, Founder and Principal of DCMS Solutions, to explore the nuances of medtech innovation both within large corporations and startups. Drawing from his extensive experience at Cook Medical, Cook Regentec, and Maruho Medical, Brad shares invaluable insights on navigating product development, managing…

1
Priorities for the New Year 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

Every holiday season as a foster or adoptive parent is a rollercoaster of joy and chaos. I've been there, feeling the duality of laughter and meltdowns, and I'm here to share how embracing these mixed emotions can actually enrich our lives and families. In this episode, I reflect on the past year, celebrating the laughter, acknowledging the meltdow…

1
491: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 48:31

5M ago48:31

48:31

This week, we continue our look back at The Lord of the Rings. That brings us to The Two Towers. So listen up, boppers as we ask if this epic continues to hold up. And also, merry Christmas and happy holidays!By Plain Zero

1
How to use smart data to build successful medtech companies 38:24

5M ago38:24

38:24

In this episode, I'm joined by Paul-Lukas Hoffschmidt, Founder and CEO of Alpha Sophia, who's revolutionizing how medtech companies find and engage their customers. Coming from the world of retail analytics, he brings a fresh perspective on using data to drive commercial success in healthcare. From hyper-personalization at scale to building trust t…

1
490: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 48:31

6M ago48:31

48:31

Adventure is afoot! This year, we’re celebrating the holidays by joining in on a tradition that many observe this time of year: rewatching The Lord of the Rings. So listen up boppers, because the last thing we’re doing is keeping it secret or safe! We’re asking if The Fellowship of the Ring holds up!…

1
Revolutionizing Dialysis Care: From Johns Hopkins to TIME's Best Inventions with David Narrow 44:41

6M ago44:41

44:41

F Javier Perez from MedTech Digest and I are joined by David Narrow, Co-founder and CEO of Sonavex, where we explore the journey of building innovative medical devices, navigating regulatory approvals, and transforming dialysis care. In this episode, we break down: The Journey from Academia to MedTech Entrepreneurship → Spinning technology out of J…

1
489: Pumping Iron 51:35

6M ago51:35

51:35

This week, things get physical as we take a look at the road to Mr. Olympia. We push weight and get the pump, which is supposed to be better than a certain activity according to Arnold Schwarzenegger. We’re asking if Pumping Iron holds up!By Plain Zero

1
Embracing Gratitude: Seeing the Blessings in Foster Care and Adoption 20:39

6M ago20:39

20:39

Could gratitude truly be the key to transforming the chaos of foster and adoptive parenting into moments of peace and resilience? Join me, Nicole T Barlow, as we challenge the conventional approach to parenting stress by embracing gratitude as a divine stress reliever. This episode explores how consciously choosing gratitude, even in the toughest s…

1
The Future is Flexible: Next-Gen Energy Delivery Balloons Medtech 31:26

6M ago31:26

31:26

I'm joined by Steve Maxson, a 20-year medical device manufacturing veteran and Innovation Lead at US Extruders, as we explore the future of balloon-based therapies and the evolution of medtech manufacturing. Steve shares insider knowledge on emerging technologies that are transforming cardiovascular care and reshaping how we think about medical dev…

1
488: 3 Ninjas 35:52

6M ago35:52

35:52

This week sees 2 out of 3 of the guys traveling back to their childhood for some martial arts. It’s 1 part Home Alone, 2 parts Under Siege, and 3 parts ninja. That’s right, boppers, it’s time to light the eyes as we ask if 3 Ninjas holds up!By Plain Zero

1
Uniting Communities for Foster Care with Guest Rebecca Radicchi 45:53

6M ago45:53

45:53

Rebecca Radicchi joins us from Georgia Kids Belong to share her incredible journey and the transformative power of community in supporting foster care and adoption. As an adoptive mom and passionate advocate, Rebecca offers an inside look at Georgia Kids Belong, a chapter of America's Kids Belong, and their innovative I Belong project. This initiat…

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