RT Sidebar

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar – Show NotesGuest: Sarah Lorenzini, Host of the Rapid Response RN Podcast On this episode of RT Sidebar, we welcome Sarah Lorenzini, critical care nurse and host of the Rapid Response RN podcast. Sarah joins us to discuss her work in critical care education, the importance of recognizing and responding to patient deterioration, and how podcasting can help healthcare professionals build confidence and sharpen their clinical skills. We’ll explore the connections betw...

Send us Fan Mail Rob is passing the keys to the department to Crystal, marking an important transition in leadership and responsibility. A successful handoff is about more than transferring duties—it’s about sharing knowledge, building trust, and setting the next leader up for success. Key Takeaways Handoff matters: A thoughtful transition helps maintain continuity and keeps the department moving forward.Succession planning is essential: Preparing the next person before a transition happens c...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 111 - TikTok's @Brittanyslife22 on ⁨@RTSidebar⁩ Tonight’s Guest Brittany — @BrittanysLife22 Who Is Brittany? Brittany is a respiratory therapist and social-media creator using TikTok and other platforms to share her experiences in respiratory care, career education, and everyday life. 🫁 Life as a Respiratory Therapist What originally drew Brittany to respiratory therapy The reality of working in respiratory care versus what people expect The most reward...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar Show Notes This week on #RTSidebar, we’re hanging out with Mack from Respiratory—an RT influencer who’s using social media to connect, create, and open doors for respiratory therapists. Mack shares the story behind building a presence online, what it’s really like creating content as an RT, and how social media can become more than just a place to scroll—it can be a way to network, collaborate, learn, and find new opportunities. We talk about the power of puttin...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of RT Sidebar, Dr. Jose Rojas of UTMB is planning for a Doctorate degree program and JJ needs some learning! JJ asks what it takes to create a program at this level and what it can do for the field of Respiratory Care. Dr. Rojas is the GOAT and JJ is a "kid". Get it! Check out #RTSidebar! Stay Tuned.

Send us Fan Mail The future of the Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT) is brighter than ever! This week on RT Sidebar, Mindy, JJ, and Matty P welcome Drs. Sarah Varekojis and David Vines for an inspiring conversation about carrying the APRT vision forward and what it will take to continue advancing the profession. From leadership and advocacy to education and expanding opportunities for respiratory therapists, this episode explores the next chapter of the APRT movement. If you're p...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar Show Notes Terri Miller returns to RT Sidebar for an inspiring conversation about building the future of respiratory care. From the incredible impact of HOSA in introducing students to healthcare careers to innovative strategies for recruiting and mentoring the next generation of respiratory therapists, Terri shares why investing in students today is essential for the profession tomorrow. Join Mindy, & JJ, as they discuss workforce development, leadership, a...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar Show Notes Live from the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC), the Let's Get Ethical crew joins Mindy Conklin and Matty P for another lively conversation—this time with special guest, the one and only Dr. JB. From thought-provoking ethical dilemmas to leadership, clinical practice, and plenty of laughs along the way, this episode is packed with the candid conversations and friendly banter that RT Sidebar listeners love. Whether you're looking to sharpe...

Send us Fan Mail When I look at the Mayo Clinic situation, one question keeps coming to mind: Was this truly a financial decision, a staffing decision, or something else entirely? I don't have the answer. But I do think it's a conversation worth having. Check out part 2 of RT Sidebar. #Stay Tuned #RespiratoryTherapy #RTSidebar #HealthcareLeadership #CriticalCare #HealthcareWorkforce

Send us Fan Mail This wasn't an episode I expected to record. When news broke that Mayo Clinic would be removing overnight bedside respiratory therapists from several facilities, I had an emotional reaction. I'll admit it. As someone who has spent years advocating for respiratory therapy, it felt personal. But after sitting with it, I realized what bothered me most wasn't the decision itself. It was what the decision represents. Respiratory therapists bring a unique skill set to the bedside. ...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of #RT Sidebar, @Mindy Conklin sits down with good Barfly friends Allie and Amanda for a conversation that goes everywhere—in the best way possible. From leadership and clinical practice to career journeys, life lessons, and plenty of laughs, nothing is off limits when these three get together. It’s honest, fun, insightful, and exactly the kind of conversation that reminds us why the RT community is so special. Grab a drink and hang out with the girls on this ...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar – Episode 102 Sometimes the best episodes are just friends hanging out and talking RT. In Episode 102, Mindy, JJ, and Matty P sit down together for an honest conversation about respiratory therapy, their careers, the highlights, the lowlights, and the moments that shaped who they are today. From laughs to lessons learned, this episode gives listeners a more personal look at the hosts behind the microphones. #RTSidebar #Episode102 #RespiratoryTherapy #Barflies #R...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar – Episode 101: The Q&A Continues The conversation isn’t over… it’s just getting started. Episode 101 brings you Part Two from our 100th episode celebration at the Montana Society for Respiratory Care—a live Q&A session with JJ, Mindy, and Matty P. Real questions, real answers, and the kind of unfiltered discussion you’ve come to expect from RT Sidebar. If you loved Episode 100, you won’t want to miss what comes next.

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ RT Sidebar – Episode 100 🎉 100 episodes. Countless conversations. One incredible community. From bedside insights to big-picture debates, RT Sidebar has been all about elevating respiratory care—and we’re just getting started. This milestone episode is a celebration of the journey, the guests, and the Barflies who made it all possible. Join us for Episode 100 as we reflect, laugh, and look ahead to what’s next. 🗓️ April 16th | 4 PM EDT Let’s make this one big. #RTSide...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of RT Sidebar, America's RT Sweetheart Mindy Conklin and Matty P dive into the evolution of the APRT and the growing momentum behind compact licensure in respiratory care. From expanding scope of practice to increasing mobility for therapists, they tell you everything you need to know! Plus, the countdown is on—Episode 100 is right around the corner. Don’t miss this conversation as we look ahead to what’s next for RTs everywhere. April 16, 2026

Send us Fan Mail 🔥 RT Sidebar Show Notes 🔥 This is what JJ and Matty P do every week… #RTNerds #SavingTheWorld 😄 From PICS to vent checks, from patients first to practicing at the top of our license—nothing is off limits. Big questions, real conversations, and a few laughs along the way. Can we save U.S. healthcare? Maybe not alone… but we’re definitely going to talk about it. 👀👇 #RTSidebar #RespiratoryTherapy #CriticalCare #TopOfLicense #PatientsFirst #HealthcareLeadership

Send us Fan Mail The countdown is here! Let's go!

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar Show Notes On this episode of RT Sidebar, we’re joined by Mike Nay for an inside look at what it really means to be a director in respiratory care. From staffing and strategy to tough decisions and team development, Mike pulls back the curtain on the depth and breadth of leadership behind the scenes. This conversation is a must-listen for therapists at every level—whether you’re considering leadership or just want a better understanding of the challenges and respon...

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar Show Notes On this episode of #RTSidebar, @Mindy Conklin and @JJ Valdez are joined by special guest host @Kali Dayton from #AwakeAndWalking ICU for a lively catch-up on all the exciting work happening in the movement to transform ICU culture. From early mobility to keeping patients awake, engaged, and walking! The conversation dives into the progress, the pushback, and the wins along the way. Expect a lot of inspiration for respiratory therapists and ICU teams look...

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar – Snow Day Edition ❄️ It’s a Snow Day! On this episode of RT Sidebar, we’re joined by our friends Rob and Mike from Let’s Get Ethical to tackle a topic every hospital and respiratory therapist knows all too well—snow days. From staffing challenges and patient safety to communication breakdowns and ethical decision-making, we dig into how hospitals and RT departments can better prepare, respond, and lead when the weather turns wild. Practical insights, real talk, an...

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar Show Notes In this special RT Sidebar episode, the hosts step aside as their spouses—Heather, Jason, and Alicia—take over the microphones for a heartfelt and honest conversation about love, life, and respiratory therapy. From long shifts and late nights to shared sacrifices and unwavering support, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to love someone in the respiratory profession. Warm, real, and occasionally hilarious, this episode is a remind...

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar Show Notes In this episode of RT Sidebar, Mindy, JJ, and Matty P sit down with Sarah Sitar, Season 1 winner of The Shift, for a candid conversation that goes beyond what viewers saw on screen. Sarah shares behind-the-scenes insights, real-world lessons, and what the experience revealed about leadership, teamwork, and resilience in healthcare. The discussion highlights why not just the winner—but every cast member—represents the kind of talent hospitals should be ea...

Send us Fan Mail In this intimate and powerful episode of RT Sidebar, Mindy Conklin sits down with Elthea Notah for a deeply personal conversation about the realities facing Native American hospitals. Speaking both as a respiratory therapist and as a daughter, Elthea shares firsthand insight into the systemic challenges, resource limitations, and emotional toll experienced by patients, families, and clinicians serving Indigenous communities. This episode moves beyond statistics, offering a hu...

Send us Fan Mail As the year comes to a close, RT Sidebar pauses to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate the people who make this community so special. This Holiday Edition is about gratitude—for the respiratory therapists who show up every shift, the guests who shared their stories, and the listeners who continue to support and inspire us. This season reminds us that respiratory care is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and service. Whether you’re at the ...

Send us Fan Mail Nicola just completed an outstanding respiratory therapy residency program in Houston, Texas. As a brand-new RT, she’s thriving—earning specialty credentials and building confidence thanks to phenomenal support throughout her training. In this episode, @Mindy Conklin and @MatthewPavlichko dive into her inspiring journey, how the residency shaped her skills, and what it takes to succeed as a new therapist in today’s healthcare environment. Special...

Send us Fan Mail Barflies asked, and we delivered! The most requested guest joins us for an unforgettable conversation. @Heather Pavlichko (the real RT in the Pavlichko house) brings her expertise and energy to the mic as we dive into some of the hottest topics in respiratory care and beyond. Heather’s insights are practical, forward-thinking, and sprinkled with humor. Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or just curious about the future of critical care, this episode is packed with value.&n...

Send us Fan Mail Veterans and RTs aren’t that different — both answer the call when things get tough. Both stand strong under pressure, serve with purpose, and fight to protect lives. This Veteran's/Remembrance Day, #RTSidebar honors those who’ve served — in uniform and in care. 🌺 #VeteransDay #RemembranceDay #RTSidebar #WeAreRT #LestWeForget #RespiratoryTherapy

Send us Fan Mail This week on RT Sidebar, Matty P hangs out with Mike Sheahan and Rob Fishwick — two legends who prove that great careers are built on hard work, good people, and the occasional questionable decision. 😄 They talk shop about networking, finding your “why,” and doing work that actually matters (with a few laughs along the way). Plus, get a sneak peek at “Let’s Get Ethical,” dropping in 2026 — because who doesn’t love a little ethics with their RT banter? Grab your coffee, your s...

Send us Fan Mail Happy Respiratory Care Week from RT Sidebar! 🎉 This week, we’re celebrating the profession, the passion, and the people who make every shift count. Joining us is Respiratory Coach, a voice for RTs everywhere who brings humor, honesty, and heart to the conversation. Together, we dive into The Shift — The 1st RT Student Reality show. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@RespiratoryCoach #RTSidebar #RespiratoryCareWeek #RespiratoryCoach #TheShift #WeAreRT #RespiratoryT...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of RT Sidebar, Matty P hosts a sit down with Mike Sheahan and Rob Fishwick for a candid and thought-provoking conversation on ethics in respiratory care. From real-world dilemmas at the bedside to the gray areas that challenge our professional judgment, this episode dives deep into what it means to “do the right thing” when the path isn’t always clear. Mike and Rob share their experiences, insights, and practical approaches to maintaining integrity in complex...

Send us Fan Mail It’s International Podcast Day, and what better way to celebrate than by looking back at the summer on RT Sidebar! ☀️ From big laughs to deep dives, this season has been packed with memorable conversations, inspiring guests, and audience favorites that had us all talking. Join the crew as they recap the highlights of the summer—your top episodes, behind-the-scenes stories, and the moments that reminded us why this community is so special. Whether you’re new to the podcast or ...

Send us Fan Mail Leaves are changing, kids are back in school (and sniffling), which means it’s officially time for Fall barflies! 🍂 Mindy, JJ, and I wrapped up an amazing (and exhausting) summer, but now it’s all about pumpkin lattes and fresh conversations. We’re kicking off the season with a guest we’ve had our eye on for a while—Dr. Brian Walsh. Brian is not only a friend, colleague, and innovator in respiratory care, but also the proud husband of Meliza (#justsaying). In this episode, Br...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of RT Sidebar, I sit down with Mallory and Ryan to dive into an exciting story of hospital transport that kept us all on the edge of our seats. We also get into their experiences with the Emerging Leaders Program at the AARC, where they share fresh insights on growth, mentorship, and the future of respiratory care leadership. It’s a conversation full of energy, real-world lessons, and a look at how the next generation of RTs are shaping the profession.

Send us Fan Mail “We’re not in the vent business. We’re in the people business. Every patient, every student, every new grad—this is about them." - Dr. Nick Prush. This quote hit us hard. It's not just a leadership philosophy, he backed it up. Here how Dr. Nick changed University of Michigan culture with students and therapists. He filled 22 open positions in 9 months and has 0 vacancies. This is RT Sidebar! Stay Tuned!

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar golf clap is required for this episode. Our very distinguished Madam President @Dana Evans is with us! We talk RT, we talk professional development, we nerd it out!!!!!!!!!! Learn about the AARC, its impact on our profession, and what the future has in store. A great episode with a great leader!

Send us Fan Mail BARFLIES! This is an episode you don't wanna miss. We're diving into the real impact of mentorship, hustle, and how @Meliza Walsh, the @TSRC, and the @HOSA team are helping to shape the next generation of RTs. This episode has heart, purpose, and some serious talk. Plus a in person shout out you can't miss. #StayTuned #RT #HOSA #mentorship

Send us Fan Mail Today is the start of Summer Forum!!!! Insert Barfly Clap. Summer Forum is an annual opportunity for RT Educators and RT Leaders to come together for a mutual purpose. That purpose, ensuring the Respiratory Therapy profession strives in the future, and that future starts with our new RTs. The success of new grads directly impacts your local hospital and our profession. @Jessica Patel and @Anna Dunahoe from @Memorial Hermann describe their RT Residency ...

Send us Fan Mail As we prepare for Summer Forum, JJ, Mindy, and I wanted to give you a little snack for all the educators and students out there. For all the "Baby RTs" out there, your best friend Joe Lewis, aka "Respiratory Coach" is on the show! We all love Joe and he elevates all of us. Thank you Joe and see you in Florida! #SummerForum, #BabyRTs, #Educate, #RTs, #AARC, #RTSidebar, #StayTuned

Send us Fan Mail CEO of the NBRC and Queen Barfly, Lori Tinkler joins the show! "Live with Lori" is a recurring episode on JJtheRT https://www.instagram.com/jjthert_/ , and she always delivers! Check out the updates from the NBRC that affect you. Stay Tuned!

Send us Fan Mail Chrysalis Ashton is our "Home girl"! She gives us the facts on home care, reminds us relationships matter, and spills the beans on AARC's Emerging Leaders program. Plus, Matty P remembered to hit record this time. Check out this amazing leader! Stay Tuned...

Send us Fan Mail We all have a BFF at work. Those that get us, keep us out of trouble, and those we "Vent" to. Not a ventilator! Your "Vent Buddy"! Meet Susan and Megan, OG Vent Buddies who tell us their story, while JJ and Matty P remember when they became vent buddies. Make sure you shout out your vent buddy! https://forms.office.com/r/Gb2wZLqkWe #RTSidebar #Ventbuddy #RT

Send us Fan Mail This episode is bonkers!!!! Actor, comedian, OT student, and RT family member, Cody discusses his journey with acute guillain-barré syndrome. His mom is a RT, Mindy was his RT, this gets real. #Bipapsux. This is a must listen episode. #Barlflylove #Mindy'sfirstHost! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Send us Fan Mail Hey Barflies! Did you know Nitric Oxide comes from Lightning?! You had me at Lightning! Check out this electrifying episode of RT Sidebar...Stay Tuned!

Send us Fan Mail Do you sometimes feel stuck as a RT? Mindless treatments and vent checks? There are other avenues that are cool (and gross). Interventional Pulmonology is just that. Learn about the world of IP, it is fascinating and gross, just like we like it! Stay Tuned...

Send us Fan Mail Has "Feedback" from your boss felt personal? Does it feel like going to the principles office? Feedback can be a curse, but when done well by a true leader, it can be the greatest gift you receive professionally. Join us with Amanda Nickle and Katlyn Burr to discuss giving and receiving feedback. This episode could change your career! Stay Tuned!

Send us Fan Mail Being a respiratory therapist is tough! Being the first respiratory therapist in your country, a tad more challenging ;P. Meet Moaaz, one of the first RTs in Egypt. He made his dreams come true. Now he's making the dreams of new RTs in Egypt come true! He is a Champion, He Empowers, and He Influences. Like all RTs!

Send us Fan Mail All right, everyone, RT sidebar, it's time as always. I got my great friends here, Mindy, APRT, Conklin, and JJ, the RT, very excited to have you both here today, because I want to give our audience a little peek behind RT's sidebar curtain. What's in store for 2025. Find out in this episode of RT Sidebar...Stay Tuned!

Send us Fan Mail The Physician-Patient Alliance for Health and Safety is a remarkable organization. Check out this episode of #RTSidebar where our guest Michael Wong discusses Advocacy, Safety, Trust, and Influence! RTs are experts in all 4. Use your voice for your patients! ppahs.org

Send us Fan Mail RT Sidebar is going back to high school! More specifically, my friend, Mr. Braglio's class. I had a chance to talk to high school students about podcasting and my journey in becoming a Respiratory Influencer. That feels weird to say. Check out this special episode...Stay Tuned! Check out the video on https://www.youtube.com/@vapotherm9743/videos

Send us Fan Mail Hear from Ben and Phoebe on the UK's healthcare system, how to lead culture change, and what a day in the life looks like for a physio. Thank you for coming on the show! Show Notes: Join our LinkedIn group - www.vtherm.com/rtsidebar-linkedin and be a part of the community. Do you know of an RT who deserves a shoutout on the pod? Perhaps a promotion, birthday, or anniversary worth celebrating? We got a form for that too! https://forms.office.com/r/Gb2...