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Join Laura Horton and Leanna Best for a light-hearted catch-up where dentistry talk meets real-life banter. No guests, no scripts — just honest conversations, laughs, and a few surprises. Tune in for our popular features, such as Banned Words and Confessions, where dental professionals share their funniest, most shocking, and downright gross stories for us to read aloud. Fresh, fun, and a little bit cheeky — welcome to the new Horton Hangout podcast 2.0 for the dental team and industry.
Episodes
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Cooking chaos, dental career growth, caffeine controversies and the most committed dental prank you’ve ever heard — Episode 4 delivers it all.
In this lively episode of the Horton Hangout, Laura and Leanna jump between kitchen disasters, career progression in dentistry, caffeine culture, patient communication upgrades, and a truly iconic prank confession.
They kick things off with the now-infamous “lasagna weekend,” exploring the emotional load of cooking, relationship dynamics in the kitchen, and why slow cookers might be the real MVPs of adulthood. Then a brilliant listener question leads into an honest discussion about dental nurse development — radiography, OHE, sedation courses, CPD choices, and how to make sure your qualifications actually get used.
From there, the girls plunge into the debate around energy drink age restrictions, looking at caffeine addiction, teenage access, health concerns and whether energy drinks should become 18+. It gets passionate… and slightly chocolate-fuelled.
Today’s Banned Word sparks a powerful mindset shift, and how one positive word can transform treatment conversations, patient reassurance and appointment booking confidence.
And finally, the confession of the week takes centre stage. It’s outrageous, harmless, hilarious — and exactly why Confessions is a fan favourite.
It’s fun, relatable, educational and packed with practical gems for dental teams.
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of managing a long-standing reception team and the importance of proper training, documenting mistakes, and building confidence in your staff. Our hosts discuss real-life scenarios from busy dental practices, highlighting the struggles and successes of team development.
We also share some hilarious and cringe-worthy Confessions of a Dental Nurse, including the dreaded office fridge and microwave disasters—proving that every workplace has its unique challenges and memorable moments.
Whether you’re a practice manager, a receptionist, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and practical advice for improving team efficiency while keeping morale high.
Highlights include:
- How to approach training and documenting mistakes in long-term teams.
- Understanding the “skills gap” and giving your staff every opportunity to grow.
- Corporate examples of top-tier customer service training and how it applies to smaller practices.
- Empathy vs. standards: Balancing support and expectations for reception staff.
- Confessions of office mishaps, including the chaos of shared fridges and microwaves.
- Tips for creating a positive work environment even during high-pressure situations.
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
In this combined guest + cohost edition, you’ll learn:
- The surprising true history of the TCO role in the UK
- Why mindset work is essential for team success
- How to connect with patients on a “soul level”
- What really happens when a team grows too fast
- The emotional truth behind resentment, bonuses & fairness
- How to build a culture that actually works
- Why gratitude matters more than perks
- How spiritual practice and routine can change your leadership
- The power of meditation, chanting, walk routines & stillness
- Why investing in staff is never wasted — even if they leave
- How to separate genuine growth from toxic positivity
- The banned words that always make their way in
- AND…the confessions you didn’t see coming
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
The Academy by Ash https://theacademybyash.co.uk/
Dr Ashish Parmar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashparmardentist/
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Horton Hangout special guest episode
00:11 – Introducing Dr. Ash Parmer + today’s confession teaser
00:24 – Ash joins the co-host seat
00:34 – What’s coming up: confessions, banned words & Horton Hangout question
00:51 – Laura & Ash: 21 years of history
03:04 – Opening practice number four
03:45 – The real history of treatment coordination
07:28 – Mindset, development & wanting more
08:27 – Full circle moment bringing Leanna into the mix
09:10 – Decks, training & course season chaos
09:34 – Ash balancing clinical work with teaching
09:56 – The iconic 8-day aesthetic course
10:13 – Why dentists thrive on hands-on dentistry
10:30 – New holistic retreat for dentists
10:57 – Purpose, mindfulness & wellbeing
15:11 – Why owners & PMs need mindset awareness
16:42 – How connection drives treatment acceptance
18:08 – Spirituality vs religion & becoming your best self
31:26 – The team bonus system explained
38:20 – Horton Hangout Question: What makes your team feel valued?
39:59 – Investing in staff even if they leave
40:22 – The emotional mistake leaders make
43:43 – Handling objections with confidence
44:00 – Spirituality and leadership
44:22 – Balancing clinical and personal growth
44:47 – Krishna consciousness & mindful routines
45:06 – 4:30am mornings: chanting & meditation
45:55 – Letting go brings bigger cases naturally
46:34 – Trusting the process
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Laura and Leanna are back for Episode 2 of The Horton Hangout — and it’s packed with laughs, honesty, and their signature segments: The Banned Word, The Confession, and The Horton Hangout Question! 🎧
As summer wraps up, the pair talk candidly about surviving the long school holidays, juggling work-from-home chaos, and the reality of balancing business with family life ☀️👩👦.
This week’s Banned Word will make every dental professional stop and think — why the word “injection” has no place in the surgery chair! 🚫💉
Then, in The Horton Hangout Question, they tackle a tough listener dilemma about inappropriate comments from a colleague — and share supportive, empowering advice for anyone facing similar behaviour in practice. 💬💪
It’s real, relatable, and full of humour — classic Horton energy from start to finish.
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
The Academy by Ash https://theacademybyash.co.uk/
Dr Ashish Parmar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashparmardentist/
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 2 🎉
00:38 – End of Summer Chat ☀️
01:03 – Life Balance & Self-Employment 💻
02:08 – Routine, Planning & August Getaways ✈️
03:10 – Kids, Netflix & Holiday Clubs 🎮
06:00 – Working from Home Chaos 🌿
07:00 – The Summer Struggle is Real 😅
11:19 – 🚫 Banned Word: “Injection”
11:36 – What to Say Instead 🗣️
12:23 – Laura’s Childhood Confession 🍫
14:26 – Leanna’s Cheeky Confession 😏
16:10 – Modern-Day Weaknesses 🍷
17:19 – Changing the Language Habit 🔄
20:17 – The Horton Hangout Question 💌
20:56 – How to Handle Unwanted Comments 💬
23:10 – Final Thoughts & Sign Off 💕
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
Welcome back to Season 2 of the podcast where Leanna & Laura spill the truth, share the laughs, and break down the realities of midlife, business, and everything in between! 🌿💪
This premiere kicks off with two fan-favourite segments — Banned Words and Confessions — before diving deep into a brutally honest chat about menopause, hormones, and health.
Laura opens up about her journey through fatigue, brain fog, and HRT — including a hilarious “crab walk” phase involving hormone gel 🦀 — while Leanna reflects on leadership, energy, and learning to prioritise well-being without guilt.
They also tackle a listener’s question about team resistance — offering smart, practical, and heartfelt advice for clinic and business owners navigating communication, money transparency, and what real leadership looks like.
It’s funny, raw, and full of the warmth and honesty that make this duo so relatable. 💛
Links:
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
Timestamps:
00:00 🎧 Welcome to Season 2!
Leanna & Laura return with gratitude, giggles, and a few confessions from the archives ❤️
00:45 🚫 Banned Words Are Back!
The duo unveils this season’s new words that are officially off-limits — and the hilarious reasons why 😂
01:15 🙈 Confessions Time
Cue the laughter! Laura & Leanna share their latest real-life “oops” moments (because we’ve all been there)
02:10 🌞 Laura’s Health Journey
Vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, and finally getting to the bottom of it — including the turning point with HRT
03:25 💊 Menopause, Hormones & Honesty
Why talking openly about women’s health still matters — and how prioritising your body isn’t selfish
06:00 👩⚕️ GP visits & supportive doctors
Navigating care, research, and advocating for yourself
07:15 🦀 The Crab Walk Era
Laura’s hilarious experience with HRT gel — and how she finally found a better option 😂
08:09 🩹 Patch Life & Pill Problems
From messy gels to swallowing struggles — all part of the midlife adventure
09:40 😤 The Rage Is Real
How perimenopause can sneak up emotionally, and what’s helping Laura stay grounded
10:40 🧠 Why women are starting earlier
The generational shift no one’s talking about — and what it means for midlife health
11:55 💤 When fatigue takes over
B12 shots, naps, and the anti-nap brigade get called out 💤
12:20 🐶 Meet Laura’s new puppy!
Yes, the night sweats and puppy chaos make quite the combo 🌙🐾
13:18 💬 Checking In
Leanna & Laura reflect on their health, habits, and personal growth
14:00 📩 Listener Question: “How do I deal with resistance from my team?”
15:10 👥 Empathy Over Authority
Why effective leadership starts with understanding, not control
16:00 💸 The Money Talk
Why sharing financials with your team isn’t always a good idea — and what to do instead
18:00 🧍♀️ Clinic Culture & Clarity
Bringing your team on board through vision and communication
21:00 💬 Feedback That Works
How to give meaningful praise and constructive support
22:25 💡 Building Trust & Connection
The role of honest communication in creating a thriving workplace
23:50 💛 Final Takeaways
Midlife, leadership, and laughter — it’s all about being real and showing up for yourself and your team
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
We're bringing something new this season...
Send in your confessions, questions and watch the podcast here https://www.horton-consulting.com/horton-hangout-podcast/
Horton Consulting website https://www.horton-consulting.com/
About us https://www.horton-consulting.com/abo...
Laura’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurahorton1/
Horton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hortonconsulting
Horton Consulting YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HortonConsulting
Laura Horton Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahorton/
Laura Horton Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@laurahortonconsult
Leanna Best Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-best-042376121/
Leanna Best Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leanna_TCO_coach
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
In this episode, Laura and Leanna dive into the danger of pretending to be premium. They unpack what happens when practices or businesses talk a five-star game but fall short on substance — and how that erodes patient trust faster than you can say “paper cone cup”.
Leanna shares a deeply personal story about hair loss, emotional vulnerability and a clinic that tried to take advantage — emotionally and financially. It's a powerful reminder that the best service comes from empathy, not just a fancy reception.
There’s also a dental nurse prank in Confession Corner that could only have happened in the good old days, and a brilliant Hangout Question on managing persistently rude patients. Plus, this week’s banned word is short but deadly — and we’ve got a better one to use instead.
In this episode:
🏨 Why businesses that look five-star often miss the mark behind the scenes
🛏️ Laura compares two treatment experiences: and one was very bouncy
🥤 Why a paper cup could ruin your entire brand (yes, really)
💇♀️ Leanna shares a personal experience of emotional manipulation at a high-end clinic — and how her husband’s common sense saved the day
💸 How looking premium doesn’t mean being premium – and what real value looks like in patient care
🩺 Hangout Question: “How do we deal with a patient who’s continually rude to staff and their dentist?”
🚫 Why zero-tolerance policies matter – and how to make sure your systems back your team, not the patient
😱 Confession Corner: a Dental nurse’s April Fool’s Day prank that nearly gave an associate a breakdown
🚫 Banned Word: “Free” – why we’re swapping it for “complimentary” and what language really says about your brand
Link to send in your confession
Link to send in your question for the Horton Hangout
Links you may find useful
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
This week Laura and Leanna reflect on their brand-new look, fresh colours and all — and why their latest rebrand brings everything full circle. They also chat about business cards, supermarket substitutions, name-blanking etiquette and how Ocado has changed Laura’s life (sort of).
The Hangout Question of the Week dives into why it’s so important that the Treatment Coordinator sees the patient first. Laura shares a masterclass in patient experience, patient psychology, and the subtle difference between being helpful and accidentally becoming “the salesperson”.
This week’s banned word? A classic that instantly makes your practice feel outdated. And as for Confession Corner — let’s just say it’s one of the most memorable moments yet.
In this episode:
🎨 The big rebrand – what inspired it, and why green, circles and the letter L are all part of the story
🛒 Supermarket substitutions, Tesco-induced marital arguments, and the magic of Ocado (not an ad… unless they want to)
📇 Are business cards dead? Laura isn’t convinced — and explains why her husband’s wrong (again)
🤷♀️ Blank on someone’s name? Leanna and Laura share their go-to tricks (and confessions)
🗣 Hangout Question of the Week: Why does the TCO need to see the patient first?
💬 Laura breaks down the full patient journey: rapport, scanning, managing bad news, and avoiding the “hard sell” moment
🔁 Why skipping the start of the workflow derails everything — and makes it harder for patients to say yes
😳 Confession of a TCO: “Can I [BLEEP] with my aligners in?”
🚫 Banned Word: “Waiting Room” – why no one wants to wait, and how to rethink your patient space
🪑 From “patient area” to “lounge” — tips for making even basic spaces feel considered
🍜 Why Laura refuses to eat at Wagamama — and the agony of chewing noises in public
Link to send in your confession
Link to send in your question for the Horton Hangout
Links you may find useful
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
This week, Laura and Leanna answer two big listener questions – starting with what to do when your associates resist the Treatment Coordinator (TCO) role, even though it’s clearly beneficial. From communication and workflows to mindset and motivation, they cover it all.
Next up: managing your mates. What happens when a dental nurse steps up to practice manager – and suddenly has to lead her friends? They get honest about leadership, friendship boundaries and what really separates good managers from great ones.
Then it’s time to ban not one but two common words in dentistry – both of which carry more negativity than you might think. And finally, Confession Corner is back… with a thud. Literally.
In this episode:
- 🤝 A listener asks: how do I get my associates to use a TCO when they don’t see the value?
- 📈 Laura explains why the issue might be communication – or the workflow itself
- 🧠 Why most resistance is about control or misunderstanding – and why a trial is the best way forward
- 👩⚕️ Second question: “I’ve become the PM after 11 years as a nurse – how do I manage people who are also my friends?”
- ⚖️ Leanna shares her own experience navigating friendship and leadership
- 💬 Why leadership is the skill most practice managers are missing – not management
- 🚫 Banned Words:
“Unfortunately”
2. “Case” - 🩺 Confession of a Dental Nurse: Fainting
- 😵 Leanna adds a surprise twist: she fainted at a ......
Link to send in your confession
Link to send in your question for the Horton Hangout
Links you may find useful
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
This week, Laura and Leanna are fresh from the ADI Team Congress and full of energy. From co-presenting treatment coordination to discussing the challenges of being a speaker and a parent, this episode is packed with professional insight — and personal honesty. They also dive into a new banned phrase, help a TCO navigate a tricky dentist dynamic, and wrap up with a confession that’s part horror film, part dental drama.
In this episode:
- 🎤 ADI Team Event recap – what it’s like to co-present live, and how events can be better planned to support working parents and female speakers
- 💡 Banned Phrase: “When would you like to come in?” — why this seemingly polite question hands all the power to the patient (and ruins your diary)
- 🗓️ Laura breaks down the right way to lead a conversation at reception, protect the diary flow, and avoid the dreaded mid-block appointment chaos
- 🦷 Hangout Question: “One of my dentists refuses to treatment plan with me. What do I do?”
- 🙋♀️ Laura shares exactly how to lead a constructive conversation using the 7 Habits framework — and why coming with solutions is key to being heard
- 💬 Leanna adds insight on emotional reactions, dentist guilt, and building buy-in by showing the true value of collaboration
- 🌿 Product Spotlight (not an ad!): Tooth Angel — the duo review a new eco-friendly oral care kit sent to them, including breath spray (perfect for lectures) and a travel-ready soft toothbrush
- 😱 Confession of a Dental Nurse: a mid-treatment horror story with a very unsuspecting patient.
Link to send in your confession
Link to send in your question for the Horton Hangout
Links you may find useful