The Alan Mead Experience: Recent Episodes
Alan Mead
Alan Mead is a dentist with too much time on his hands and too much recording equipment in his basement! Each week he brings you entertaining and informative content featuring interesting dental people and the stories behind them. You'll hear "Dental School Horror stories," take a ride in the "Single Use Time Machine" and hear his co-hosts give you the "90 Second Perfect Pitch." It's all good fun for dentists and the people that love them!
The Alan Mead Experience makes a triumphant return after more than a year hiatus! Today's episode features Al talking about his first weekend as a clean and sober recovering person 19 years ago today!
Do dentists have a bad reputation? If yes, is there anything we can do about it? Al contemplates this and if customer service is dead. (spoiler: yes, it is).
Alan talks about taking a break from podcast production, losing some weight, defeating diabetes and what the future holds. Also a VoD tradition that includes the Waffle House.
The beginning of seventh grade. That's when the Rich and Al story started. Al has been friends with Richard Heend for more than 35 years. Which makes me feel super old. Rich had computers long before people normally had computers. This is where Al's fascination with computers and being "online" started. Some links from the show:
Join the conversation on the AME Facebook group! Search for "Alan Mead Experience" on Facebook and ask for an invite. You'll need to use the password "Premier" or "Cosmedent" to be let in!
Al asks the Alan Mead Experience FB group to "ask me anything." And they did! I talk about new microphones, broken iPads, kids with autism, balancing dentistry and podcasting and the upcoming Voices of Dentistry meeting! A couple links: TextExpander (https://textexpander.com/) The Perfect Dental Chart Note (https://www.facebook.com/groups/538560539831535/) Voices of Dentistry (https://voicesofdentistry.com/) Neumann BCM 705 (https://en-de.neumann.com/bcm-705)
The AME is back from hiatus! Alan starts with a death defying horse story and then explains what he's been up to all summer.
Alan talks to Dr. Sarah Meyer who has convinced him working on sleeping patients is awesome, and working on sleeping gorillas, tigers and bears is even more awesome!
Al discusses a couple things that continue to bubble up when he's least expecting it. https://textexpander.com/
Dr. Chris Bowman joins Alan to talk about some great ways to communicate with patients. The actual human interactions between dentists and patients can be pretty bizarre when you step back and look at it. Chris is a bit of an expert on this kind of communication. They also dig into what really is "fee for service?"
Dr. Steven Vorholt is a dentist in the sweet spot. He heard episode 068 of the AME and realized that the "sweet spot" I was talking about was HIM! He's starting a journey to understand digital dentistry and use it in his practice and you can see this journey LIVE at www.stevenvorholtdds.com (https://www.stevenvorholtdds.com/).
Inspired by people he met at the AACD, Al waxes philosophical about the sweet spot of being 5 years out of dental school.
Alan is joined by one of the funniest people on Earth, Dr. Frank Clayton. In one of the greatest podcasts ever recorded, Frank and Al cover a bizarre range of topics: from pig farming, test taking, Spear and Kois, single tooth dentistry and hating removable dentures.
Al is trying to decide if not wanting to come back to work after spring break says good things about him or not. Bioclear Posteriors with Al! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156434058399873&set=gm.2099379717000529&type=3&theater&ifg=1
Alan talks with Dr. Alex Sharp who tells him that listening to podcasts pushed him into ownership! In one of the most gratifying interviews ever, Dr. Alex Sharp explains how the Voices of Dentistry meeting in Nashville back in 2017 helped push him into ownership and how podcasts helped him figure out how to do it!
Al riffs on being stuck between "high end" and "production." What kind of dentist are you? Can you be in between these two styles and make it? Come take the Bioclear posterior course with me on June 1-2 in Tacoma at the Bioclear Learning Center! Email Tanya at tanya@bioclearmatrix.com or call 1-855-712-5327 and ask for Tanya! I'd love to hang out with you and show you how awesome the Bioclear system is!
New dentists rejoice! Alan is joined by Dr. Alex Salen who is a (relatively) recent grad. We talk about growing up in the midwest, choosing what to do after school and learning to dentist! Egg Inc (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/egg-inc/id993492744?mt=8)
Dr. Mike DiTolla and Dr. Josh Austin hash out where Mike's been. Get ready for an entertaining and emotional ride. Buckle in...it's a long one! Dr. Mike DiTolla left the dental scene about 8 weeks before the Dentsply Sirona World event in September of 2017. His podcast co-host (The Accidental Geniuses) and best friend Josh Austin gave one of the keynotes at DS World and the two had a falling out around the time of the meeting. They get back together and talk about stuff on this emotional and entertaining episode of the Alan Mead Experience. As an aside...I didn't edit much here. It's long. Probably not safe for work, either. Some politically incorrect stuff, so be warned. It's pretty heartwarming and real. Two great people working stuff out in real time. Also...be sure to check out Josh's new podcast: Working Interferences (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/working-interferences-podcast/id1318822887?mt=2).
Al talks about his love/hate relationship with February, the Chicago Midwinter and the Voices of Dentistry meeting
Alan talks with Dr. Josh Brower...an educator and his classmate from the University of Minnesota class of 1997!
Alan is joined by podcaster and prosthodontist Dr. Stephanie Zeller at the amazing Voices of Dentistry summit! We talk about the state of prosthodontics, the importance of photography and how Instagram is bringing sexy back to pros! Best of Prosth Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bestofprosth/) Stephanie's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stephaniezellerdds/) Dr. Zeller's photography courses with Dr. Miguel Ortiz? Seattle (https://maophotographs.com/courses-and-registration/dental-photography-course-seattle-washington), San Francisco (https://maophotographs.com/courses-and-registration/dental-photography-course-san-francisco)
This episode was recorded with a new recorder/mic in the car about 3 days before lift off for Voices of Dentistry! I'm excited about VoD! I can't wait to soak up some sun and see in person all those people that are only voices in my headphones! Today's episode is just some thoughts I'm having on my way to work using a new recorder/mic that I'm bringing to the VoD. I hope to see you there! Voices of Dentistry (http://voicesofdentistry.com/) Yellowtec iXm mic/recorder (http://www.yellowtec.com/ixm.html)
Al riffs on why dentists should be blogging, the future of the AME and how getting up really early is working for him. The Best of Prosth Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bestofprosth/) Voices of Dentistry (http://voicesofdentistry.com/) Mead Family Dental blog (http://meadfamilydental.com/)
The Blogging Dentist (http://thebloggingdentist.com/)
Premedication for total joint replacement in the dental office has been common for a lot of years. We (mostly) shouldn't be doing it now. Al rants about this. Premier Dental Periowise probe (https://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/diagnostic/probes/periowise/) Some links to read: From the New England Journal of Medicine : “Staphylococci (S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococcus species) account for more than half of cases of prosthetic-hip and prosthetic-knee infection12 (Fig. 2). S. aureus infection is particularly common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.13 Other bacteria and fungi cause the remainder of cases.14,15Propionibacterium acnes is a common cause of infection associated with shoulder arthroplasty.16 Up to 20% of cases are polymicrobial, most commonly involving methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or anaerobes.17 Approximately 7% of cases are culture-negative, often in the context of previous antimicrobial therapy.18” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2850113/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2850113/) From the CDC “Any medication can have serious side effects. For antibiotics, those side effects can include adverse drug reactions and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).(8-11) Patients who are unnecessarily exposed to antibiotics are placed at risk for serious adverse events with no clinical benefit. The misuse of antibiotics has also contributed to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which has become one of the most serious and growing threats to public health.(12) Unlike other medications, the potential for spread of resistant organisms means that the misuse of antibiotics can adversely impact the health of patients who are not even exposed to them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than two million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant organisms, resulting in approximately 23,000 deaths annually.(13)” (CDC) AAOS guidelines (http://www.orthoguidelines.org/go/auc/default.cfm?auc_id=224995&actionxm=Terms) ADA Guidelines (http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/antibiotic-prophylaxis)
"Meet the new guidelines, same as the old guidelines" (http://thebloggingdentist.com/?p=211)
Dr. Josie Dovidio joins Alan to talk about what a fine year 1997 was and how graduating at the right time made all the difference for them. Premier Dental Periowise probe (https://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/diagnostic/probes/periowise/)
Everyone has feelings. But does everyone realize how feelings can affect you? In the second episode about Stoicism and rehab Alan talks about how he learned about dealing with his emotions and what life was like in long term treatment for addicted health care professionals. Premier Dental Slix composite instruments (https://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/operative-instruments/composite-plastic-filling-instruments/slix/)
What if you woke up tomorrow and couldn't do what you've been doing your whole life. What would your life be like? How would you survive? Your host has some experience with this. Depending on the feedback I get, this will be part 1 of a series if you find it valuable. Premier Dental Periowise Probes (https://www.premusa.com/product/instruments/original-3-5-7-10mm-2/)
Dr. Drew Byrnes, host of the "Fee for Service Dentist" podcast joins Alan to discuss what "fee for service" really means and how hard it is to actually name a podcast. What is "fee for service?" Is it cash only? Simply being out of network from all insurances? What strategies are there fore surviving in a fee for service practice? Dr. Drew Byrnes is going to find out! The Fee For Service Dentist podcast (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fee-for-service-dentist-podcast/id1320490287?mt=2) The Voices of Dentistry summit (http://voicesofdentistry.com/) (use code VOD100) The Comfortview Lip and Cheek retractor (http://www.premusa.com/product/hygienepreventative/comfortview-hp/) by Premier Dental Products
Dr. Matthew Standridge joins Alan to talk about his podcast, "The Ketodontist podcast (http://ketodontist.com/)" as well as being an administrator of the Dental Hacks Nation. We spend a lot of time talking about orthodontics for the general dentist and the fact that he's now on faculty at Gerety Orthodontics Seminars (https://orthodonticteaching.com/)! Traxodent from Premier Dental (http://www.premusa.com/product/prosthetic/traxodent/)
Al riffs on negativity and how a gratitude list can almost always change your attitude! 10 reasons to be grateful as 2018 approaches: 1) Voices of Dentistry meeting 2) my addiction and recovery 3) Premier Dental (http://www.premusa.com/) 4) My dad 5) Digital Photography 6) My dog 7) My office team 8) Periowise probes 9) Mindfulness and Stoicism 10) Podcasting
Dr. Tammy Bailey joins the AME again. We talk about The Kois Center, the opioid crisis and, as always, the weather. The Kois Center (https://www.koiscenter.com/) Raving Fans (https://www.amazon.com/Raving-Fans-Revolutionary-Approach-Customer/dp/0739309536) Premier Dental Products (http://www.premusa.com/)
Alan discusses recent turmoil in his life and how a Sam Harris podcast helped to set him straight. Sam Harris "Waking Up" podcast episode #105 (https://www.samharris.org/podcast/item/richard-dawkins-sam-harris-and-matt-dillahunty) Traxodent from Premier Dental (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/prosthetic/tissue-management/hemostatic-retraction-paste/) The Voices of Dentistry Summit (http://voicesofdentistry.com/), January 26-27th, 2018 at the DoubleTree resort in Scottsdale, AZ! Use coupon code VOD100 for $100 off of the regular ticket price!
Alan is joined by Dr. Aly Sergie who tells him about his journey into microscopes, all about photography and a nasty thing that happened to him this January. Premier Solo diamonds (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/rotary/solo-diamond/) Microscope positioning (all direct) (https://youtu.be/qY0v2cowwPk)
Alan talks with fan favorite Lance Timmerman about Thanksgiving, Black Friday and gratitude. Premier Dental Slix Ladmore 3 (http://www.premusa.com/product/instruments/ladmore-3-slix/) Premier Dental Slix IPC (http://www.premusa.com/product/instruments/ipc-slix/)
Al got a request to talk about podcasting and how he records multiple people and makes it sound like they're in the same room. Premier Dental Periowise probe Dan Benjamin's "Podcast Method" podcast (http://5by5.tv/podcastmethod) Al's video about the "Skypeasaurus" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIxDHrSrrY)
Alan and his BFF Bart record in a tiny conference room on the 3M campus talking about surgery and why Al hates it. How does one know that surgery is their passion? Is surgery something that everyone should be comfortable with? Bart and Al do a face to face AME that gets interrupted abruptly! Premier Dental Periowise probe (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/diagnostic/probes/periowise/)
Alan is joined by Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver again to talk about all the stuff he has created since episode 1. Shawn was the very first guest on the Alan Mead Experience and since then, he's created a whole bunch of stuff. Merlin Mann's "ubiquitous capture (http://www.43folders.com/topics/ubiquitouscapture)" Evernote (https://evernote.com/) Asana (https://asana.com/) Auto Front Office (https://autofrontoffice.com/) Exocademy (https://exocademy.net/) Consents app (https://www.facebook.com/stvande/videos/10109259869349413/?esd=eyJlc2lkIjoiUzpfSTIyMzY4ODM6Vks6MjAxNTg4NjM0ODY4MzIwMCIsInBzaWQiOnsiMjIzNjg4MzoyMDE1ODg2MzQ4NjgzMjAwIjoiVXpwZlNUSXlNelk0T0RNNlZrczZNakF4TlRnNE5qTTBPRFk0TXpJd01BPT0ifSwiY3JjdCI6InRleHQiLCJjc2lkIjoiNjU0ZTA4ODczNzJjNWRkNTg0Y2IzNjFkYTY0MWI0NTIifQ%3D%3D) Traxodent (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/prosthetic/tissue-management/hemostatic-retraction-paste/) and Retraction Caps (http://www.premusa.com/product/prosthetic/premier-retraction-caps/) by Premier Dental Products
Dr. Justin Moody, one of the co-hosts of the Voices of Dentistry meeting, joins Alan to talk about dental implants, implant education and Fireball! I'll bet you didn't know that the whole Fireball thing was essentially an accident...you hear the story directly from Justin in episode 41!
The Voices of Dentistry Summit (http://voicesofdentistry.com) Implant Pathway (https://implantpathway.com/) Justin's website (http://drjustinmoody.com/) Premier Dental Products Neotray impression trays (http://www.premusa.com/product/prosthetic/neotray/)
Dr. Bart Schultz joins Alan again to talk about how to let patients test drive their new smile. Also, should you be recording your patient consults and if so, how? Premier Two Striper diamonds (http://www.twostriper.com/catalog) and Premier Solo diamonds (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/rotary/solo-diamond/)
Alan riffs on his recent experience being called for jury duty and why he thinks dental microscopes are best used in hygiene.
The Voices of Dentistry Summit (http://www.voicesofdentistry.com) (January 26-27th, 2018 in Scottsdale, AZ at the DoubleTree Resort) Premier Periowise probe (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/diagnostic/probes/periowise/) "Clown Mirror" from G. Hartzell and Sons (https://www.americanmedicals.com/g-hartzell-and-son-rhodium-coated-mirrors.html) CJ Optik microscopes (http://www.cj-optik.de/) Global microscopes (http://www.globalsurgical.com/dental-microscopes.html) Sony a6000 camera (https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-16-50mm/dp/B00I8BICB2)
Alan is joined by dental podcast pioneer Dr. Bilal Saib to talk about how he started podcasting and all about full arch implant restorations. The Passionate Dentist (http://www.thepassionatedentist.com/) (Bilal's podcast) www.voicesofdentistry.com (http://www.voicesofdentistry.com) Premier Dental Slix composite instruments (http://www.premusa.com/product-category/instruments/operative-instruments/composite-plastic-filling-instruments/slix/)
Alan discusses the joys and tragedies of moving your dental office with Dr. James Heaton. If you've ever moved a dental office location you understand that the outcome is always great, the execution is always ugly. There are always things that you didn't realize you'd need, you only hope that they aren't that expensive. Dr. James Heaton has just recently moved his office and Alan crashed his office and house to talk about it. Roku Ultra (https://www.roku.com/products/roku-ultra) (wireless headphones) Endodontics Unsponsored (http://vancouverrootcanals.com/courses-for-dentists/course-1/) (endo course in Vancouver) Premier Dental Comfortview Lip and Cheek retractor (http://www.premusa.com/product/hygienepreventative/comfortview-hp/)
Dr. Tammy Bailey joins Alan to tell some dental school stories, talk about kids, tips on how to relate to people and the dread of the open contact. Premier Dental Retraction caps
Jonathan VanHorn of Dentist Metrics joins Alan to talk about why it matters if your accountant is a "dental accountant" as well as how he handles personal productivity and tasks. They also talk about how they're both awful at naming businesses. Premier Biocoat Bioactive Pit and Fissure Sealant
Alan is joined by Dr. Flash Davies and Dr. Craig Harder to talk about DS World 2017, The Voices of Dentistry meeting and strategies about how to apply CE (and how not to). Premier Dental Comfortview Lip and Cheek Retractor The Voices of Dentistry Summit 2018
Alan rants about the recent hatchet job article from the Boston Globe. Do dentists hate poor people? Will the media ever miss the chance to criticize dentists? Do dental mid-level providers make sense? Dentists to poor people: Drop dead Biocoat Pit and Fissure sealant Buy your tickets to the Voices of Dentistry before September 18th to save $300 on your ticket! Voices of Dentistry
Dr. Russell Kirk joins Alan again to talk about luck, patriotism and stoicism. Both of them have been reading a lot about this philosophy and find it useful in day to day life and dental practice. Stoicism: A Stoic Approach to Modern Life The Obstacle is the Way The Art of Manilness on Stoicism xExtreme Ownership
Dr. Mark Costes joins Alan to talk about the Voices of Dentistry meeting, how influencers are changing the way companies deal with customers and his "desert island dental procedure" pick. The Voices of Dentistry Summit 2018 Comfortview Lip and Cheek Retractor by Premier Dental Products
Dr. Daniel Smith joins Alan to talk about the Voices of Dentistry meeting, how dental text reminders are like needy girlfriends and what life is like for a dentist on a boat for months at a time. the Voices of Dentistry meeting Solo round ended cylinder bur...fine
So many things in dentistry are amazing and terrible at the same time. Alan talks about 4 of his favorite love/hate topics in dentistry: extractions, practice ownership, commuting and managing a team. Slix composite instruments by Premier Dental Products Slix instrument selection
Dr. Josh Austin joins Alan to compare and contrast their dental school experiences. Why can't all dental school instructors be the cool ones? What survival techniques did they use in dental school? Knit-Pak + retraction cord by Premier Dental Products
What's the difference between an adequate restorative dentist and a good one? Dr. Jason Smithson joins Alan to explain...and it's not what you think! Is switching to a fee for service practice worthwhile? Jason's thoughts: the best way to become an amazing restorative dentist is find a mentor and use them and work on attention to detail! Also rubber dam tips from the master himself! Comfortview Lip and Cheek Retractor
Dr. Zachary Meiners joins Alan again...this time discussing how people perceive dentistry vs. how dentists perceive it, can composite shrinkage work in your favor and how to choose a guru.
Alan talks a little bit about taking time off from the office (and the podcast) and leaks some info about the Voices of Dentistry 2018! Voices of Dentistry 2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Premier Dental Productst Premier Dental Products complete solution for easy (and awesome) impressions!" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Premier Dental Productst
Alan is joined by long time dentist pal Dr. Rich Rosenblatt to talk about taking initiative (Rich started a MONSTER study club in the Chicago area) and having the best job in the world: dad. Premier Dental Products complete solution for easy (and awesome) impressions!" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Premier Dental Productst
Dr. Dawn Kulongowski joins Alan for a rousing "Dental School Horror Stories." Entertaining but also poignant...how is dental school different for men and women? Premier Solo Diamonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Premier Dental Productst
Dr. Alan Mead introduces the Alan Mead Experience Facebook group and the new sponsor of the AME, Premier Dental Products! Also, a frank discussion of open contacts and what do dentists do for their own dental care. Premier Dental Productst Mead's inlays
Dr. Ryan McCall does dentures. Lots and lots of dentures. And he does social media better than anyone else.
Alan goes solo to talk about some of the fantasies he has during his commute (don't worry, it's a family show) and how it's good that we're all human.
What do you do when you know your next day is full of nightmare patients and evil procedures? Dr. Arthur Volker knows...and dishes. Plus, a little on minimally invasive dentistry in 2017.
Dr. Grant Ritchey is the first podcaster that Alan ever knew. We discuss science communication, when science became controversial and where they each became skeptics. The Prism Podcast The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe The Dental Podcasting Incubator Science Based Dentistry
Dr. Tarun Agarwal joins Alan for a challenge...an entire podcast where dentistry is not discussed. And it's amazing! We discuss Tarun's time at the Pritikin Longevity Center where he's taking a good hard look at his physical and mental health and how to make his dental career and life longer and better. Pritikin Longevity Center
Dr. Bart Schultz joins the AME again to talk about that patient who you've been working on for months that shows up and asks, "what are we doing again?"
Alan talks about the recent flooding that's caused him to make some big shifts in podcasting schedules!
Dr. Brett Kessler was the president of the Colorado Dental Association and is helps dentists and team members struggling with addiction. Yet somehow we spent most of our time talking about marijuana. Weird, right? Skeptical Raptor reviews the science of medical marijuana (TL;DR version)
Dr. Zach Meiners joins Alan to talk about being a "regular Joe" dentist and the struggle of case acceptance. Also...both of these guys started their careers as associates with their dad. One of them stayed with dad and one of them struck off on their own. You'll hear the pros and cons of both!
Tiger Safarov came to the United States from Russia, and hit the ground running. He used to build dental offices and now he's trying to change the way that we buy dental supplies. 90 Second Perfect Pitch: Zen Supplies
Dr. Justin Short is a dentist, coach and real estate tycoon. You're going to like him and you're going to learn some stuff from him. We talk about how he produces so much in so little time and how he's been driven as an entrepreneur for as long as he can remember. 90 Second Perfect Pitch: The Lifestyle Practice
Boy do I have a story for you. It has nothing to do with dentistry, but I think it's worth a listen.
Dr. Lance Timmerman is glamorous. He has a beautiful office in Seattle and now works part time in Mountain View, CA doing sleep apnea and cosmetics. He talks with Alan about working as an owner and an associate.
Jeff Gladnick of Great Dental Websites joins Alan to talk about being an entrepreneur (nature or nurture), failing to succeed and time travel. The Business of Dentistry Podcast
Dr. Davina Detrik joins Alan to talk about office design, storytelling and attempting to name his child Hercules. Thrive Experience Masterclass
Dr. Russell Kirk is an oral surgeon and podcaster from Lebanon, TN. In episode 005 Alan and Russell talk about dental school, getting angry and the benefits of podcasting. The Business of Dentistry Podcast Russell's free PRF for dentists course
Alan is joined by dental superstar Dr. Cory Glenn in episode 004! We talk about losing weight with a ketogenic diet, not working in the mouth hole and building a cost effective digital workflow! Be sure to stick around for the 90 Second Perfect Pitch on digital dentures! Blue Sky Bio Academy
Dr. Bart Schultz is Alan's best friend. They graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997, which makes them old. They discuss attendance requirements and Spring Break trips from back in the day. Brace yourselves...Bart's probably going to be a regular on this podcast.
Composite guru and pasty enthusiast Dr. Jason Smithson joins Alan for an interesting discussion about some dentists with natural talent (him) and some who have worked to become passable (Alan). We talk about EFDAs, microscopes and he does the AME "Fly on the Wall" where he explains how he went from a NHS dentist to comprehensive restorative care!
Multiple practice owner and technology maven, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver joins Alan for the very first episode of the newest and most entertaining dental podcast known to man. 90 Second Perfect Pitch: Auto Front Office
The very first episode of a new dental podcast by the Dental Hacks co-host, Alan Mead. Listen as Alan describes his newest project and what you can expect to hear when episode 1 drops on May 1st!