Speaking with Steph

This podcast will provide information across multiple industries who support small businesses, with a concentration in healthcare practices. The information provided is to be educational and to outline issues that small businesses may come across as they grow and expand.

Empowering Patients: John Samuels on Advocacy, Planning, and Best Practices in Healthcare 09/15/2025

Mergers, Growth, and Serving Clients: Behind the Scenes with William Barrett of Mandelbaum Barrett PC 08/15/2025

Mergers, Growth, and Serving Clients: Behind the Scenes with William Barrett of Mandelbaum Barrett PC This week, Stephanie Rodin sits down with William Barrett, CEO of Mandelbaum Barrett PC, to talk about his journey from big law to building a client-focused, entrepreneurial firm. They cover the unique services the law firm offers to healthcare professionals, and the stories and lessons behind Bill’s bestselling books for dental practitioners. In this episode, you’ll hear: How an accidental speaking engagement at a dental trade show led to serving over 2,000 doctors nationwide. Why the firm’s 30+ practice areas make it a true full-service platform for both business and personal legal needs—from M&A and real estate to matrimonial and criminal law. How the firm’s major expansion over the past 20 years has shaped its client-first approach. What the merger with Stephanie’s practice means for clients looking for deeper resources and expertise. How their “one-stop shop” approach allows clients to handle all legal matters under one roof, making life easier for both corporate and personal legal issues. About William Barrett William Barrett is the Chief Executive Officer of Mandelbaum Barrett PC. With over 25 years of experience, he advises companies of all sizes on mergers and acquisitions, contracts, succession planning, executive compensation, and more. In the healthcare sector, he’s nationally recognized for guiding dental and medical practice transitions, including DSOs, MSOs, associate buy-ins, and start-ups. William is the author of Pain-Free Dental Deals: An Entrepreneurial Dentist’s Guide to Buying, Selling, and Merging Practices and The DSO Decision: Winning Answers from Every Angle and is a sought-after speaker at professional conferences, associations, and universities across the country. Under his leadership, Mandelbaum Barrett PC has grown to over 115 attorneys in 30+ practice areas, ranking among New Jersey’s top 10 largest law firms. Tune in to hear the strategies, mindset, and real-world stories behind Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s growth — and the lessons any business owner can take away. /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/37835280

The Top Four Essentials for a Successful Practice Merger or Sale 08/11/2025

The Top Four Essentials for a Successful Practice Merger or Sale Hi! I’m Stephanie Rodin, host of the Speaking with Steph podcast. In this episode, I want to speak to you about something that I recently went through, which was merging or selling your practice. In this episode, we discuss: Merging or selling your healthcare practice involves careful planning around contracts, employees, ongoing work, and accounts receivable to ensure a smooth transition. Start by reviewing all third-party contracts, decide which ones transfer to the buyer, which need cancellation, and check required notice periods or detailed language. Evaluate contracts, employees, work in progress, and receivables before starting the process, and time key communications (like informing employees) at the right moment, ideally when a “confirmed deal is in place.” Buyers need visibility into both outstanding work and receivables to avoid confusion about who gets paid for which services and when. Connect with Stephanie: 🌐 📧 [email protected] Final Thought: "Learning is a journey from facts to knowledge, on to understanding, and eventually wisdom." Bio: Stephanie Rodin is a partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, a full-service law firm that has been serving clients since 1930. With decades of collective experience, the firm takes a collaborative and proactive approach to legal counsel, advocating for clients with care, attention, and dedication. Before joining the firm, Stephanie was the founder and principal of Rodin Legal, P.C., and has been practicing law since 2000. Throughout her career, she has focused extensively on supporting healthcare professionals. Having grown up in a family of medical and dental practitioners, Stephanie was immersed in the healthcare world from an early age. This unique exposure gave her firsthand insight into the legal and operational challenges faced by medical professionals—experience that continues to inform her legal practice today. Website: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/37730360

A New Chapter: Joining Mandelbaum Barrett PC 07/29/2025

A New Chapter: Joining Mandelbaum Barrett PC In this special solo episode of Speaking with Steph, host and attorney Stephanie Rodin shares a major career update. After years of leading her own successful firm, Rodin Legal, P.C., Stephanie is thrilled to announce that she is joining Mandelbaum Barrett PC as a Corporate Healthcare Partner as of August 1st. Stephanie reflects on the journey that brought her to this new opportunity and what this change means for her clients. With deep roots in the medical and dental communities, her passion for supporting healthcare providers remains stronger than ever. Now, as part of a full-service law firm with nearly a century-long legacy, she’s positioned to offer expanded support while maintaining her personal, client-focused approach. Whether you’ve worked with Stephanie in the past or are just getting to know her, this episode gives a heartfelt glimpse into the future of her legal practice—and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Stephanie is making the transition to Mandelbaum Barrett PC How her background in medicine and dentistry continues to inform her legal work What her clients can expect going forward The values that drew her to join a full-service, client-first firm Where and how to stay connected Connect with Stephanie: 🌐 📧 Final Thought: "Learning is a journey from facts to knowledge, onto understanding, and eventually wisdom." Stephanie Rodin is the founder and principal of Rodin Legal, P.C. and has been practicing law since 2000, with a majority of that time assisting the healthcare practitioner. Starting from a young age, Stephanie has been exposed to the medical/dental field, as her immediate family all practice within the healthcare field. As a result, she was surrounded by various medical and legal issues that routinely arose during the practice of medicine and dentistry. This provided Stephanie with the expertise that serves as the foundation of her legal practice. Rodin Legal, P.C. caters to these legal complexities and is dedicated to the growth of professional practices. LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/37586745

Navigating Healthcare’s Digital Shift: SEO, ADA, and Branding with Bryan Cush of Tidal Health Group 07/21/2025

Navigating Healthcare’s Digital Shift: SEO, ADA, and Branding with Bryan Cush of Tidal Health Group This week, Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Bryan Cush. The two chat about the integration of preventive healthcare practices with daily life, the impact of early detection tests, and the importance of sustained doctor-patient relationships. In this episode, we discuss: How healthcare providers can bridge what their business calls services and what real patients are searching for online. Bryan and his team tackle both urgent digital issues, like ADA website compliance, and long-term goals such as sustainable practice growth. When and why reputation management becomes critical, including strategies for handling both positive and negative online reviews. How Tidal Health Group works as an extension of a healthcare team, providing ongoing support rather than quick fixes. Who benefits most from professional digital marketing, from established practices wanting to expand to startups needing step-by-step guidance. Bryan Cush, President and Co-Founder of Tidal Health Group, has over 14 years of experience in healthcare marketing and communications, specializing in the digital representation of quality doctors and the care they provide. He leverages his MS in Information Systems and Data Analytics to create data-driven strategies that showcase the expertise and patient experience of his clients online and connects them with the right patients who need their medical attention. Bryan’s passion for healthcare marketing stems from his personal journey of navigating the complex and confusing healthcare market and finding the best provider for his needs. Bryan has a unique background in customer loyalty, sales and technology, and data management systems across different industries, which gives him a holistic perspective on how to cater to the needs and motivations of real people, not just statistics. He also serves on the board of a non-profit organization that advocates for awareness and coverage of non-traditional treatment methods for traumatic brain injuries, which reflects Bryan’s mission of improving the quality of life of patients through early intervention and proper care. /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/37465020

How Strategic PR Empowers Healthcare Professionals and Founders 07/09/2025

How Strategic PR Empowers Healthcare Professionals and Founders This week, Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Natalie Greaves. The two chat about Natalie’s journey from aspiring accountant to communications expert, the evolution of public relations in the digital and social media age, and the importance of strategic messaging for healthcare professionals and beyond. In this episode, we discuss: How PR pros work with clients, helping clients understand what’s newsworthy, craft the right messages, match them to the right audiences, and maximize media placements for ongoing benefit. What PR really is: Natalie breaks down that PR is one facet of a much broader marketing mix, focusing specifically on influencing news cycles, building trust, and communicating value, beyond just getting media coverage. When to seek PR guidance: It’s best for potential clients to engage with PR professionals early, so messaging, positioning, and reputation can be strategically crafted rather than repaired after a misstep. Why strategy matters: She emphasizes that PR shouldn’t be an impulsive add-on; it’s most effective when strategically planned to ensure messaging, timing, and targeting are in sync with client goals. Who benefits from PR: Her clients range from nonprofits to healthcare practitioners to founders—essentially anyone who needs help defining their voice, telling their story, and navigating public perception. Natalie Greaves, Founder, Greaves Communication Strategies, helps clients to find their unique voice and tell their best story. Specializing in PR strategy, media outreach, social media and editorial writing, Natalie enjoys working with clients to communicate the value and purpose in their work. She created her company in 2017 out of a desire to make marketing more accessible to founders and practitioners who find the process intimidating. Natalie most recently served for six years as Ronald McDonald House New York’s director of communications, raising awareness and support for children battling cancer. She began her career in public relations working with organizations including The Direct Marketing Association, The Brain and Behavior Research Fund, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. A native New Yorker, Natalie is a proud mom of a very active middle schooler, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric & Communication from the University at Albany in New York, and lives in Queens. Website: Social Media Links: LinkedIn: @nataliegreaves Facebook: @GreavesComm Instagram: @greaveswrites /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/37343255

Tackling Immigration Hurdles Under a Changing Administration 06/09/2025

How Robotic Process Automation Frees Up Time for Higher-Level Work 05/12/2025

How Robotic Process Automation Frees Up Time for Higher-Level Work This week, Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Paul Smith. The two chat about the fundamentals of robotic process automation (RPA) and intelligent automation, discussing how these tools can save businesses time and money by taking over repetitive tasks. In this episode, we discuss: How automation technologies work by mimicking human actions on computers to automate repetitive, rules-based tasks, freeing up employees for higher-level work. Businesses typically start implementing automation when they want to drive efficiency, reduce errors, or prepare for growth, often as the initial step in a broader digital transformation. The main reasons for adopting these technologies are to save time and money, reduce error rates, improve job satisfaction, and allow employees to focus on more meaningful, impactful work. Paul’s team built an automation for a healthcare organization that automatically corrected and resubmitted insurance claims, saving a billing manager about four to five hours per day. Initial employee resistance is common but often gives way to enthusiasm after staff experience the benefits, especially as automation reduces frustration with tedious, error-prone work. Paul Smith is CEO of , an IT Consulting firm serving middle-market companies, and an expert on Information Technology. Paul is also a 3-time entrepreneur. Techromatic builds Intelligent Automations and RPA software robots that automate repetitive work for law firms, saving them time and money, and creating happier and more productive workers. Paul focuses on helping companies in the Legal, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Insurance industries, as well as others. His extensive experience with network engineering at large enterprises such as Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Royal Bank of Scotland, combined with almost 20 years of IT consulting for small and mid-market companies, has made Paul extremely effective in his role. Paul’s unique perspective on Information Technology and real-world small business operations have allowed him to help hundreds of businesses become more efficient, reduce risk, and achieve their goals through his guidance. In addition to running a successful business, Paul serves on the board of EO New York, a non-profit organization that helps Entrepreneurs reach their full potential. “In EO we innovate, take risks and see opportunity in a challenge. We want to make the world a better place – for our teams, our families, our communities, and for humankind. We think big, we are bold. We want to make a difference beyond ourselves – for the people in our lives, for a better future for everyone.” Paul has been on his leadership journey his entire life, and on the EONY board for over 4 years. Paul graduated from Stony Brook University with a dual major in Information Systems and Business. He presently resides in Westchester County, New York with his wife and children, and many pets. /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/36261375

Avoid Overtime Pitfalls: Exempt vs Nonexempt Employees Explained 05/05/2025

Preventive Health in Focus: Insights on Comprehensive Patient Care 04/14/2025

Preventive Health in Focus: Insights on Comprehensive Patient Care This week Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Dr. Nina Sundaram. The two chat about integrating preventive healthcare practices with daily life, the impact of early detection tests, and the importance of sustained doctor-patient relationships. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Nina Sundaram explains the structure of her practice by dividing it into four "arms" or segments focused on different health aspects. Illumine emphasizes preventive medicine, holistic healthcare, and trust-based patient-doctor relationships. Learn what inspired Dr. Sundaram to start Illumine and how her vision for preventive medicine has evolved. Innovative testing for cancer prevention and why this is important. Imagine treating your body like a lifelong car—maintaining it with the best care to ensure longevity. Dr. Nina Sundaram- Dr. of Endocrinology, founded Illumine as a platform for her commitment to preventive medicine and her holistic approach to healthcare. While in medical school, Dr. Sundaram spent a summer in Cuba studying the public health system, an experience that shaped her approach to centering on preventive care and developing patient-doctor relationships built upon trust and compassion. Dr. Sundaram graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science and a Medical Degree from the Seven-Year Biomedical Program at The College of New Jersey and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Afterward, she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at The Mount Sinai Hospital, where her research in pituitary diseases was published in journals and textbooks. After six years working with a large multi-specialty group, Dr. Sundaram opened Aura Endocrinology in 2021 and created a uniquely patient-centered practice. Today, she continues to serve as a clinical instructor at New York University and focuses on empathetic, compassionate care for her patients, fueled by a desire to help them live more confident and fulfilling lives. Education The College of New Jersey, Bachelor of Science in Biology (Combined Seven-Year BS/MD Program) Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Doctor of Medicine New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Internal Medicine Residency Mount Sinai Hospital, Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease Licenses and Board Certifications New York State License American Board of Internal Medicine American Board of Internal Medicine: Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism American Board of Internal Medicine: Obesity Medicine Publications Carluccio A, Sundaram, NK, Chablani S, Amrock LG, Lambert JK, Post KD, Geer EB. Predictors of Quality of Life in 102 Patients with Treated Cushing's Disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014 Jun 17. PMID: 24931777 Sundaram NK, Carluccio A, Geer EB. Characterization of persistent and recurrent Cushing’s Disease. Pituitary. 2013 August 29. PMID: 23990348 Sundaram NK, Geer EB, Greenwald BD. The impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2013 Sep;42(3):565-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2013.05.003. PMID: 24011887. Carluccio A, Sundaram NK, Yanagisawa R, Tomer Y. Apathetic thyrotoxicosis secondary to atypical subacute thyroiditis. Endocrine Practice. 2012 May 1:1-9. PMID: 2254894 /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/35807610

Protecting Patient Privacy: De-Identifying Information Under HIPAA 04/07/2025

Building Financial Foundations: Leonard Cohen's Guide for Healthcare Practitioners 03/10/2025

Building Financial Foundations: Leonard Cohen's Guide for Healthcare Practitioners This week Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Leonard Cohen. The two chat about the importance of financial protection, the necessity of establishing an emergency fund, and the benefits of early disability and life insurance. In this episode, we discuss: How Leonard became a financial advisor The importance of financial planning starting from the end of medical school or early residency. When clients should start planning Why Leonard believes financial education is lacking The importance of having both partners involved in financial discussions. Leonard Cohen, MBA, is a Financial Representative with Forest Hills Financial Group (FHFG), dedicated to helping his clients build, accumulate, and preserve wealth as they plan for a secure future. He specializes in disability insurance and retirement planning. Len truly cares about benefiting his clients and takes pride in his ability to develop long lasting relationships based on trust and integrity. He is always striving to provide the same level of ethical service that he would expect for himself and goes the extra mile to provide his clients with extraordinary service and follow-up on their behalf. Len graduated in 1980 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. In 1986, he achieved his MBA in Marketing Management from Pace University and began a twenty-five-year career in the pharmaceutical industry specializing in oncology as an office representative, hospital representative, research liaison and product manager. While collaborating with medical professionals, Len held numerous resident and fellow oriented financial seminars at area hospitals. It is Len’s firsthand experience with a wide range of business situations that enabled him to develop a keen insight into the needs of others, both individually and professionally. He realized how important it is to make a lifelong impact on people’s lives, and he now brings his unique abilities to the financial services industry and to FHFG. Len resides with his wife Jill in Bellmore, NY and they have two daughters, Melissa, and Brittany. They are proud to share that Melissa is a certified pediatric RN at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital and Brittany works as a PA in the Bellevue stroke unit. Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Forest Hills Financial Group is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License #0H54352. 2024-167874 Exp 1/26. /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/35349060

Annual Review of Consent Forms: A Guide for Healthcare Providers 03/03/2025

Transforming Healthcare: Insights from Compliance and Operations Experts 02/10/2025

All You Need to Know about New York's Prenatal Leave Law 02/03/2025

Smart Leasing Strategies for Healthcare Practices: A Conversation with Richard Hittman 01/13/2025

Smart Leasing Strategies for Healthcare Practices: A Conversation with Richard Hittman This week Stephanie Rodin speaks with her guest, Richard Hittman. The two discuss the common pitfalls in lease agreements, the essential team you need for securing a healthcare practice location, and the lengthy process of setting up a practice. In this episode, we discuss: How client education is handled What problematic clauses are found When to question terms and conditions Why a specialized team is essential Why a thorough lease review is crucial How clients should trust their instinct Dr. Richard A. Hittman, D.M.D. Richard A. Hittman is a seasoned expert in commercial real estate leasing and sales, with a specialized focus on medical and office spaces in Manhattan. Since 2000, Richard has been instrumental in navigating complex lease negotiations and providing strategic guidance in office layout and design for a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and specialists. Prior to his real estate career, Richard was the President and Owner of a successful healthcare services company from 1992 to 2000. Under his leadership, the company expanded to eight offices across the state, employing over 325 staff members and generating revenues of $10 million. His ability to integrate comprehensive healthcare solutions with operational efficiency made a profound impact on the institutions and medical facilities he served. Richard began his professional journey as a dentist, developing and expanding two multi-disciplinary dental practices in Connecticut from 1978 to 1992. During this time, he mastered contract negotiations with insurance companies to offer services on a set fee basis, significantly enhancing the accessibility and affordability of dental care. Richard holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Business from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His extensive experience in both healthcare and real estate underscores his unique ability to understand the needs and priorities of medical professionals, making him a valued partner in their business endeavors. /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/34467530

Legal Entity Maintenance: What You Need to Know 01/06/2025

Temporary Hold on Beneficial Ownership Filing: Impacts and Next Steps 12/16/2024

Exploring Bucket Lists and Travel Dreams with Sean O'Rourke 12/09/2024

Streamlining Dental Practices with Offshore Talent: A Conversation with Lola Gazivoda 11/11/2024

Streamlining Dental Practices with Offshore Talent: A Conversation with Lola Gazivoda This week Stephanie Rodin chats with her guest, Lola Gazivoda. The two chat about Lola's journey from a banking executive to an innovative entrepreneur, launching a company that helps dental and medical practices significantly reduce payroll costs. We explore the benefits and intricacies of offshore staffing, the importance of data security and HIPAA compliance, and how her services are making waves in the dental industry. In this episode, we discuss: Discover how Lola transitioned from a successful banking career to helping U.S. businesses, particularly in the dental and healthcare sectors, find highly skilled talent in Albania. Get an in-depth look at what dental practice owners should consider when thinking about offshore resources, including data security and HIPAA compliance. Using offshore talent can save dental practices between 50% to 80% on typical U.S. payroll costs. This significant reduction in labor costs allows practices to reinvest in their growth and operations Learn about Lola’s incredible journey from Albania to becoming a top banking executive in the U.S. and eventually founding Bota Consulting Group. Hear how Bota Consulting Group handles everything from recruitment to HR management, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing support for their clients. Lola Gazivoda is the founder and CEO of Bota Consulting Group, an offshore recruiting, consulting, and management firm that sources top talent from her home country of Albania for remote positions with U.S. businesses, saving them 50-80% on typical U.S. payroll costs. With nearly 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Lola has an extensive background, including an 11-year tenure at M&T Bank where she served as a Senior Vice President within the Business and Professional Banking Group in Westchester. Prior to M&T, she held positions at Chase and Capital One. Born and raised in Albania, Lola relocated to the USA at the age of 14 without knowing a word of English, starting high school in the Bronx. She is deeply proud of her heritage and actively participates in community nonprofits both within the Albanian community and the broader Greater NYC area. In 2020, she was recognized as a “40 Under 40 Rising Star” by the Westchester Business Council. Lola has served on the boards of the Childcare Council of Westchester and the Westchester chapter of Vatra, and she is currently a board member of the Business Initiative Corporation of New York and the Westchester Medical Center Foundation. She resides in Bedford with her husband John and their three children – Daniel, Nicoleta, and Julia. Website: Personal: Business: /episode/index/show/speakingwithsteph/id/33413337