UNSUNG Podcast

On The Duet Podcast, Nicole Bennett, DNP, PMHNP, MN, shares how a "happy accident" career path led her into psych NP work and eventually practice ownership. She talks about why she refused the 15-minute, prescription-only model, how isolation shows up for owners (even inside organizations), and the mindset shift from "clinician who runs a practice" to true business leader. You'll also hear how she built a clinician-centered group practice designed for autonomy, mentorship, and long-term growth, plus the leadership lesson she wishes she'd learned sooner: the hard moments are what shape you.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. April Odom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC to talk about resilience, purpose, and building a practice on your own terms. From becoming a teen mom and first-generation college graduate to launching and growing an independent NP practice, April shares her honest journey, the pivots that shaped her path, and why patient-centered, preventive care remains at the heart of everything she does. A powerful conversation about starting small, trusting the process, and redefining success in nurse-led healthcare.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "6a30e151-0b31-4364-a5b1-1217bba759c3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Peggy Zapantis, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC shares how she pivoted from primary care into aesthetics and wellness, then unexpectedly became a true business owner when her practice was sold to private equity and the "aesthetics division" was essentially handed to her to take and build. We talk books of business, hiring the right team, opening a second location, why "boots on the ground" beats social media for local growth, and how her Anasa Aesthetics Academy is making safe, ethical training more accessible.      

How does someone who never imagined business ownership end up running a thriving primary care practice in a small Florida beach town? Stephanie Sanchez, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, ARNP, shares how a retiring physician, a supportive partner, and a willingness to learn opened the door to becoming a practice owner. Stephanie walks us through her path from ICU nurse to critical care NP, the unexpected offer to take over a 30-year-old clinic, and the long transition that followed as she navigated credentialing, contracting, and restructuring the practice into an autonomous NP-led medical center. She explains how she kept her patient panel strong, introduced new service lines like weight loss, peptide therapy, aesthetics, and HRT, and grew her team to support more than 3,000 patients. We also talk about early fears, practical marketing on a small budget, and the operations behind sustaining and scaling a community practice. Stephanie closes with grounded advice for NPs considering ownership: be patient with yourself, use your networks, and remember that clarity and confidence come from taking action.

How do you turn a mission to reduce rehospitalizations into a multi-location, 22-NP group? Logan Andrews, APRN, FNP-BC, shares how a QAPI deep-dive sparked a house-call practice that now spans clinics, SNFs/ALFs, and mental health sites across North Florida. We cover leaving a bad contract, earning autonomous practice, scaling with a 1099/commission model, building case-manager pods, and why "power in numbers" matters for payer contracting and policy. Logan also talks patient impact, leadership routines, advocacy with the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, and plans to expand into Nebraska and Colorado.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with Julie Foster, FNP. From a nudge to "do it on your own" to leading a multi-provider integrative clinic, Julie shows how clarity of mission, mentorship, and steady systems can carry you through hard days and toward sustainable growth.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with Frank Rosenberg, FNP-C, founder of Tempe Primary Care in Arizona, and proof that sometimes diving in before you feel "ready" is exactly what it takes. From thrifting exam tables to delegating with trust, balancing clinical care with business ownership, and navigating the steep learning curve of billing and coding, Frank's story is a candid look at the risks, resilience, and rewards of starting from scratch.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with KC Arnold, FNP – founder of The Diabetes Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and proof that sometimes crisis sparks the greatest breakthroughs. After more than a decade in the Air Force and years of nursing experience, KC thought she had her career mapped out. But when Hurricane Katrina shut down her clinic and left her future uncertain, she made a bold choice: to open her own practice in just three weeks. From starting with a single patient to building a thriving specialty clinic and even her own medical building, KC's journey is one of passion, persistence, and purpose-driven leadership in diabetes care. Tune in to hear how she turned devastation into determination – and why she believes nurse practitioners are uniquely equipped to change lives and communities.

In this episode, Dr. E sits down with Peggy Roberts, DNP, NP, founder and CEO of Trust Women's Healthcare, to talk about launching her practice during COVID while keeping her 9-to-5, navigating public criticism, imposter syndrome, and bias, and scaling from two patients on day one to two thriving locations in Brooklyn and Long Island. Peggy shares what it took to build a women's health brand that centers representation, data-driven growth, and care that truly listens. This is the real story of betting on yourself, pushing through the noise, and building your own room when the system wasn't built for you.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with Mary Pasternacki, FNP, BC - founder of The Women's Place in Pennsylvania and living proof that sometimes, when the ground falls out from under you, it's actually the push you needed. With nearly two decades of nursing experience and no formal business training, Mary found herself at a crossroads - and chose to bet on herself. From building a deeply trusted women's health practice to redefining what leadership looks like in healthcare, Mary's journey is one of resilience, intuition, and unexpected transformation. Tune in to hear how she carved her own path - and why she believes every NP has the power to do the same.

When Massachusetts granted independent practice authority, Shannon Kriehn, FNP-C didn't hesitate. She left her job with one month's notice, took out a $60,000 loan, and opened Better Way Primary Care from scratch. Three years later, she serves 4,000 patients with zero marketing and a bold philosophy of letting patients lead their care. This is what it really looks like to build an NP-led practice from the ground up.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with John Mandeville, FNP-B founder of Granite State Family Health in New Hampshire and proof that purpose can come from the most unexpected places. After walking away from a corporate health system with no plan and no backup, a tick bite (yes, really) kicked off a journey that led to his own thriving clinic—now serving over 700 patients in just six months. From treating working-class men who "never go to the doctor" to building a business with zero capital and a whole lot of grit, John's story is raw, real, and wildly inspiring. Tune in to hear how one NP turned a personal crisis into a mission—and what happened when he stopped waiting for permission to lead

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with Dr. Lorraine Bock, DNP, ENP-C, FNP-C, PHRN, CEN, FAANP - a trailblazing NP who's spent 20+ years building patient-first practices rooted in community and care. From practicing before NPs had prescriptive authority to running two thriving clinics in different states, Lorraine's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and trusting your gut (and your paperwork). Tune in to hear how she built it, why she's passing it on, and the lessons that shaped her journey.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Dr. Efrat Lamandre sits down with Eva Nyarko, MSN, RN, FNP-BC founder of a thriving Bronx-based clinic with an origin story you won't believe. From an unexpected lottery win to turning an abandoned convent into a community care hub, Eva's journey is a masterclass in purpose, grit, and radical compassion. Tap in to hear how one woman is redefining primary care - and why she's just getting started.

In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, host Dr. Efrat Lamandre, NP, PhD, sits down with Lindsey Maloney, DNP, APRN, FNP-C the powerhouse behind Mobile Care Partners in Connecticut. Five years ago, Lindsay started her practice doing house calls out of her car. Today, she has a brick-and-mortar office, a thriving team, and serves over 3,000 patients - all while staying true to her vision of nurse-led, patient-centered care. What sparked it all? A G-tube explosion and a leadership style mismatch that ultimately helped Lindsay realize she could - and should - do things her own way. In this episode, you'll hear: How she quit her job (and risked loan forgiveness penalties) to go all-in Her transition from home visits to a growing office practice The systems and boundaries she swears by to avoid burnout How she's building a nurse-led model with NP specialists across disciplines Why her "failures" were actually the best thing that ever happened Lindsey shares what it really takes to build a practice from scratch - no business plan, no fancy funding - just passion, resourcefulness, and a whole lot of grit.

She waited 20 years to launch her dream practice… and now she's making house calls to over 100 patients.   In this episode of The UNSUNG Podcast, Diane Pagan, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, CCM, shares how she went from shelving her dream to becoming a powerhouse in geriatric home care. She opens up about the challenges of launching her solo practice, how she almost gave up (twice), and what finally pushed her to go all in.   From credentialing disasters to car-office setups and a vision for a nonprofit, Diane's story is raw, real, and seriously inspiring - especially for NPs thinking about going solo. 👂 If you've ever said "maybe someday," this is the episode you need to hear.   Visit Diane's website: https://seniormomentscare.com/     GUEST BIO: Diane Pagan, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, CCM Diane Pagan is a seasoned nurse practitioner and founder of Senior Moments Care, a house-call-based geriatric practice serving over 100 patients across Westchester County, NY. With more than 27 years of experience in home care and a background in complex care management, Diane combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to culturally competent, patient-centered care. She is also a hospice-certified NP and an active mentor to other clinicians looking to break into house calls.     HOST BIO: Efrat LaMandre, NP, PhD The UNSUNG Podcast is hosted by Dr. Efrat LaMandre—NP, PhD, medical disruptor, and Head of Partnerships at Duet. Efrat helps people find the root cause of their symptoms, optimize their health, and reclaim their energy through a systems-based approach. She's also the author of It's Not In Your Head and the founder of EG Healthcare, HawkScribes, and EG PREP. Through The UNSUNG Podcast, Efrat shines a light on nurse practitioners who are rewriting the rules of healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Each episode offers honest, inspiring conversations that reveal the heart, grit, and innovation behind NP-led care.     ABOUT THE UNSUNG PODCAST The UNSUNG Podcast celebrates the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are transforming healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Powered by Duet, this show highlights the unfiltered truths, powerful missions, and lasting impact of NPs who are shaping the future—right now.  

Teri Bunker, DNP, FNP, is the founder of Bridge City Family Medical Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Twenty-two years ago, she mortgaged her home to open the clinic - committed to serving Medicaid patients others turned away and determined not to let fear or bad advice hold her back. Today, her practice serves over 20,000 patients and employs multiple nurse practitioners. In this episode, you'll hear: Why she bet on herself - and put her house on the line The systems she swears by to keep a high-volume practice running Her approach to leadership, hiring, and staying sane as a business owner How she built a practice that could outlast her This is the kind of episode every NP needs to hear - especially if you've ever wondered whether you could build something bigger than yourself. Teri's Website: – https://www.bridgecitymedical.com/ GUEST BIO: Dr. Teri Bunker, DNP, FNP Teri is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and the founder of Bridge City Family Medical Clinic. With a passion for serving underserved communities, she's built a comprehensive primary care clinic known for its inclusive approach, strong staff culture, and dedication to high-quality, patient-centered care. She remains deeply committed to building a sustainable future for nurse-led healthcare. HOST BIO: Dr. Efrat LaMandre, NP, PhD The UNSUNG Podcast, hosted by Efrat LaMandre, a trailblazing Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and Head of Partnerships at Duet. Efrat is a medical disruptor on a mission to help individuals uncover the root causes of their symptoms, optimize their health, and reclaim their well-being. She's the author of the transformative book "It's Not In Your Head: Your Body Doesn't Feel Right But You Don't Know Why" and the visionary behind several successful healthcare ventures, including EG Healthcare, HawkScribes, and EG PREP. As the host of The UNSUNG Podcast, Efrat shines a light on the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners who are revolutionizing healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Through insightful and candid conversations, she highlights their journeys, celebrates their impact, and explores the challenges and rewards of building a business in healthcare. With her expertise and passion for innovation, Efrat brings a unique perspective to the podcast, creating a relaxed and engaging space for NPs to share their "aha moments," lessons learned, and the values that drive their care. Join her to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the incredible stories of these unsung heroes transforming healthcare. ABOUT THE UNSUNG PODCASTThe UNSUNG Podcast celebrates the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are transforming healthcare by owning and leading their own practices.

ABOUT THE EPISODE Amanda Swan, DNP, APRN, IFMCP and founder of Swan Integrative Medicine in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Her journey from frustrated pre-med student to confident NP entrepreneur is filled with grit, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. Amanda knew she had a vision for patient care that couldn't live inside the box of a traditional practice. So after 10 years as an NP - and with a little help from her mom - she started her own. In this episode, you'll hear: - Why she walked away from the conventional path and into integrative care - What it really takes to balance business ownership with patient-centered practice - How confronting personal trauma became part of her evolution as an entrepreneur - Her advice for NPs who feel like they're not "ready" yet GUEST BIO: Dr. Amanda Swan, DNP, APRN, IFMCP Dr. Amanda Swan, a Yale-trained, board-certified nurse practitioner and IFM-Certified Practitioner, has spent over 15 years advancing preventive and functional medicine. Her early work in infectious disease care laid a strong foundation in conventional medicine, while her passion for root-cause resolution has shaped her integrative approach to healing. She has trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Kalish Institute, blending rigorous clinical training with a belief in the body's innate ability to heal. Her practice combines evidence-based nutrition, targeted supplementation, and functional diagnostics to support long-term wellness. When not practicing, she enjoys time with her family, CrossFit, knitting, and creative ventures for her business. HOST BIO: Efrat LaMandre, NP, PhD The UNSUNG Podcast, hosted by Efrat LaMandre, a trailblazing Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and Head of Partnerships at Duet. Efrat is a medical disruptor on a mission to help individuals uncover the root causes of their symptoms, optimize their health, and reclaim their well-being. She's the author of the transformative book "It's Not In Your Head: Your Body Doesn't Feel Right But You Don't Know Why" and the visionary behind several successful healthcare ventures, including EG Healthcare, HawkScribes, and EG PREP. As the host of The UNSUNG Podcast, Efrat shines a light on the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners who are revolutionizing healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Through insightful and candid conversations, she highlights their journeys, celebrates their impact, and explores the challenges and rewards of building a business in healthcare. With her expertise and passion for innovation, Efrat brings a unique perspective to the podcast, creating a relaxed and engaging space for NPs to share their "aha moments," lessons learned, and the values that drive their care. Join her to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the incredible stories of these unsung heroes transforming healthcare. ABOUT THE UNSUNG PODCAST The UNSUNG Podcast celebrates the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are transforming healthcare by owning and leading their own practices.

ABOUT THE UNSUNG PODCAST The UNSUNG Podcast celebrates the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are transforming healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. GUEST BIO: Dr. Erin Athey, DNP, FNP Dr. Erin Athey, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, has dedicated nearly two decades to improving health outcomes in Washington, D.C.'s underserved communities as a clinician, educator, and scholar. Her work has led to innovative, community-based health initiatives, including award-winning mental health literacy programs and a mobile health program for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and education across Wards 5-8. Driven to enhance healthcare access, Dr. Athey founded C3 Cares, a groundbreaking model featured in The Washington Post, ABC News, and Forbes, recognized for transforming healthcare delivery. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University and specializes in HIV/AIDS care. HOST BIO: Efrat LaMandre, NP, PhD The UNSUNG Podcast, hosted by Efrat LaMandre, a trailblazing Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and Head of Partnerships at Duet. Efrat is a medical disruptor on a mission to help individuals uncover the root causes of their symptoms, optimize their health, and reclaim their well-being. She's the author of the transformative book "It's Not In Your Head: Your Body Doesn't Feel Right But You Don't Know Why" and the visionary behind several successful healthcare ventures, including EG Healthcare, HawkScribes, and EG PREP. As the host of The UNSUNG Podcast, Efrat shines a light on the inspiring stories of Nurse Practitioners who are revolutionizing healthcare by owning and leading their own practices. Through insightful and candid conversations, she highlights their journeys, celebrates their impact, and explores the challenges and rewards of building a business in healthcare. With her expertise and passion for innovation, Efrat brings a unique perspective to the podcast, creating a relaxed and engaging space for NPs to share their "aha moments," lessons learned, and the values that drive their care. Join her to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the incredible stories of these unsung heroes transforming healthcare.