Beyond Clean Podcast

Welcome to the basement! Whether you found yourself in Sterile Processing by accident or knew exactly what you were signing up for, there's nothing quite like your first year in SPD. In this Season 34 premiere of the Beyond Clean Podcast, Bobby Parker, Hank Balch, and Garrett Hollembeak take us back to their early days in SPD to share what surprised them, what they learned, and how those experiences shaped the way they see the profession today. From developing a strong sterile conscience to finding pride and purpose in work that often happens behind the scenes, they reflect on what it really means to be part of the team that keeps surgical care moving. Whether you're new to Sterile Processing or have been #FightingDirty for years, this episode is a reminder of just how much your work matters!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode34-01

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season34 #WelcomeToTheBasement #Podcast #FirstYearInSPD #SterileConscience #PatientSafety

You know what your department needs, but are you communicating it in a way leadership understands? In the final episode of "Lead with Confidence," Ben Schraeder from Surgical Solutions joins us to explore how Sterile Processing leaders can turn operational challenges into a clear, compelling business case. Ben breaks down how to connect staffing shortages and tray backlogs to case delays, overtime, and financial impact, choose the metrics that matter most, and make SPD's needs relevant to the people making critical investment decisions. If you're ready to move beyond saying, "We need more," and start showing leadership why it matters, this episode will help you speak their language.

After finishing this interview, earn your 0.5 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/leadwithconfidence-ep5

This five-part series explores what it takes to lead Sterile Processing and perioperative teams with clarity and confidence. From building stronger partnerships and making data-informed decisions to hiring the right people and communicating your department's value to the C-suite, we'll share practical insights for anyone looking to grow in leadership.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Surgical Solutions, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #SurgicalSolutions #SterileProcessing #Perioperative #Leadership #SPDLeadership #LeadwithConfidence #Podcast

Fully staffed and a waitlist of great candidates ready to go? For many Sterile Processing leaders, that sounds almost too good to be true. In this episode of "Lead with Confidence," Surgical Solutions' Erin Neblett tackles one of the biggest challenges facing SPD leaders: finding, hiring, and retaining the right people. From tapping into overlooked talent pools and recognizing transferable skills to conducting more effective interviews and creating an onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success from day one, Erin offers a fresh approach to building your Sterile Processing team. Ready to stop waiting for the perfect candidate to appear and start creating a stronger talent pipeline? Tune in now for practical ideas that can help you spend less time worrying about vacancies and more time building a team people want to join and stay with.

After finishing this interview, earn your 0.5 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/leadwithconfidence-ep4

This five-part series explores what it takes to lead Sterile Processing and perioperative teams with clarity and confidence. From building stronger partnerships and making data-informed decisions to hiring the right people and communicating your department's value to the C-suite, we'll share practical insights for anyone looking to grow in leadership.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Surgical Solutions, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #SurgicalSolutions #SterileProcessing #Perioperative #Leadership #SPDLeadership #LeadwithConfidence #Podcast

You've been promoted. Congratulations! But what happens when the people you worked beside yesterday are suddenly looking to you for answers today? In this episode of "Lead with Confidence," Brian Ascencio from Surgical Solutions gets real about the challenges of making the leap from technician to first-time Sterile Processing leader. Brian shares key lessons on navigating new boundaries, setting clear expectations, juggling priorities, building trust, and staying calm when the pressure is on, all to help new leaders find their footing in that critical first year. If your new title has you wondering whether you're really ready to lead, press play for a confidence boost and a quick-start guide to becoming a leader your team can trust!

After finishing this interview, earn your 0.5 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/leadwithconfidence-ep3

This five-part series explores what it takes to lead Sterile Processing and perioperative teams with clarity and confidence. From building stronger partnerships and making data-informed decisions to hiring the right people and communicating your department's value to the C-suite, we'll share practical insights for anyone looking to grow in leadership.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Surgical Solutions, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #SurgicalSolutions #SterileProcessing #Perioperative #Leadership #SPDLeadership #LeadwithConfidence #Podcast

Trays are piling up. Staffing is stretched thin. Quality issues keep popping up. When everything feels urgent, how do you know what to tackle first? In this episode of "Lead with Confidence," Betty Casey from Surgical Solutions breaks down how data can help Sterile Processing leaders cut through the noise and make more confident, informed decisions. Whether it's tracking tray backlogs, improving scanning compliance, identifying workflow gaps, or getting your team invested in the numbers, Betty explains how the data you're already collecting can uncover what's really happening in your department. If you're tired of guessing which problem to tackle next, discover how letting the data tell the story can help bring your path forward into focus.

After finishing this interview, earn your 0.5 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/leadwithconfidence-ep2

This five-part series explores what it takes to lead Sterile Processing and perioperative teams with clarity and confidence. From building stronger partnerships and making data-informed decisions to hiring the right people and communicating your department's value to the C-suite, we'll share practical insights for anyone looking to grow in leadership.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Surgical Solutions, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #SurgicalSolutions #SterileProcessing #Perioperative #Leadership #SPDLeadership #LeadwithConfidence #Podcast

Everyone wants safer patient care, smoother workflows, and stronger teams. So why can it still feel like the OR, Sterile Processing, and industry partners are working in completely different directions? In Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast series, "Lead with Confidence," host Bobby Parker welcomes Kirk Leonardelli, CEO of Surgical Solutions, to discuss what it takes to turn separate priorities into shared progress. From navigating staffing and turnover challenges to reducing finger-pointing and building greater accountability across the perioperative environment, Kirk shares why the strongest solutions often begin with better collaboration. Ready to leave the silos behind? Tune in and discover what teams can accomplish when everyone starts moving in the same direction.

This five-part series explores what it takes to lead Sterile Processing and perioperative teams with clarity and confidence. From building stronger partnerships and making data-informed decisions to hiring the right people and communicating your department's value to the C-suite, we'll share practical insights for anyone looking to grow in leadership.

A special thanks to our sponsor, Surgical Solutions, for supporting this podcast series!

#BeyondClean #SurgicalSolutions #SterileProcessing #Perioperative #Leadership #SPDLeadership #LeadwithConfidence #Podcast

How do you disinfect what you can't immerse? In this Beyond Clean special release podcast episode, recorded LIVE at HSPA 2026, Garrett Hollembeak joins STERIS's Karen Owens and Bianca Paskert to explore the growing challenges of cleaning complex, battery-powered, and electronic devices. Together, they'll break down where variability creeps in, why workarounds create hidden risks, and what leaders need to understand when standard processes don't always apply. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to approach these devices more effectively in your SPD. Tune in today!

This in-booth podcast recording is sponsored by STERIS and is powered by Beyond Clean.

After finishing this interview, earn your 0.5 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/steris-complexdevices

#BeyondClean #STERIS #HSPA2026 #Podcast #SterileProcessing #ComplexDevices

We're gearing up for an all-new season of Beyond Clean! Until then, we're bringing some of our Season 22 favorites back to your feed. Enjoy!

Join us this week on Beyond Clean as we chat with Rory Burke, Lead Medical Supply Technician and member of the Beyond Clean Advisory Group, about consumables such as protein residue testing tools in Sterile Processing. On this episode, we discuss the differences between ATP and protein methods, workflow considerations, guidelines and standards around testing, and best practices for investigating failures. Rory provides perspective from the front lines on why protein testing adds value in monitoring cleaning effectiveness and how see it fitting into the broader goal of #FightingDirty. Don't miss this insightful conversation about optimizing quality and safety through cleaning verification testing!

After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode22_07

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

We're gearing up for an all-new season of Beyond Clean! Until then, we're bringing some of our Season 22 favorites back to your feed. Enjoy!

Clean? Really Clean? Just a Dream? What does "Clean" even mean? Join us for this week's new release from Season 22 on Beyond Clean, featuring Pawel de Sternberg Stojalowski, an expert in decontamination science and cleaning verification fanatic! We pitch Pawel some of the most important questions related to clinically relevant test soils, optimizing washer loading techniques, and adopting a critical thinking approach to achieving true cleanliness in our workflows. Tune in to hear about emerging technologies like automation and AI in Sterile Processing, and the impact they may have on our conceptions of what's possible as 21st century #CleanFreaks! We hope you can join us!

After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode22-05

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

We're gearing up for an all-new season of Beyond Clean! Until then, we're bringing some of our Season 22 favorites back to your feed. Enjoy!

How well do you really know the Bowie Dick test? Join Don Tumminelli as he kicks off our Season 22 premiere and unpacks the history, science, and purpose behind this crucial daily sterilizer challenge test and one of the least understood SPD consumable. Learn proper test pack placement, cycle parameters, result interpretation, and troubleshooting steps for failures. Discover the difference between assessing air removal vs sterilization efficacy. Uncover common myths and look ahead to potential future advancements. Tune in to master the Bowie Dick test to optimize patient safety, comply with standards, and keep your department running smoothly!

After finishing this interview, earn your 1 CE credit by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode22-01

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access 350+ FREE CE credits and #KeepFightingDirty!

You press play, pass the quiz, and add another CE to your collection. But have you ever wondered what it takes for that education to become CE-approved in the first place? In this Season 33 finale episode, Bobby and Jason are turning the mic to Beyond Clean's Chelsea Schmitz for a behind-the-scenes look at how continuing education programs become CE-approved. With more than 500 CE submissions under her belt, Chels walks through how educational content goes from an idea to an approved CE, what it takes to maintain CE-approved content, and what separates meaningful education from another hour spent checking a requirement off the list. We're closing out a season dedicated to training in SPD with a look at what goes into the education that keeps #CleanFreaks and our industry moving forward. Don't miss this season finale!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-08

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #CE #ContinuingEducation #CEApproved #Education

Sore feet? Aching knees? Tight shoulders? If you work in SPD, you probably just checked at least one of these boxes. In this week's episode of "Built Different: Training in SPD," Bobby and Jason connect with SPD professional and competitive bodybuilder Rebecca Lauber to talk about a side of the job we don't discuss nearly enough: the physical toll it can take on your body. From lifting heavy trays and pushing loaded carts to spending hours on your feet, Rebecca highlights small changes that can help technicians protect their bodies throughout the workday and beyond. She also discusses how movement, recovery, smarter ergonomics, and speaking up about pain can help you better handle the physical demands of the job. Consider this your SPD wellness check -- press play today!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-07

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #PhysicalTraining #Ergonomics #Wellness #ProtectYourBody #FitForSPD

What if a little friendly competition could change the way your SPD team learns? This week, Bobby and Jason sit down with Ashley Thompson to talk about how gamification can turn everyday education into something technicians actually want to participate in. She shares how points, quizzes, personalized rewards, and healthy competition helped her team take a more active role in their own learning and professional growth. And the results go far beyond winning a game: from more engaging huddles to a 100% CRCST certification rate, Ashley's experience shows what's possible when learning becomes part of the culture. If you're ready to bring some new energy to education in your SPD, it's time to press play!

BONUS CONTENT: Check out Ashley's "Points with Purpose" handout here: https://9231499.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9231499/Beyond%20Clean%20Podcast/Bonus%20Content/A%20Thompson%20Points%20with%20Purpose.pdf

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-06

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #Gamification #Education #Certification #Competition #Learning #ProfessionalGrowth

If you ask three technicians how a process gets done in your SPD, there's a good chance you'll get three different answers. So how do you get everyone on the same page? In this week's episode of "Built Different: Training in SPD," Jhmeid Billingslea joins the conversation to explain why standardization is about much more than writing another SOP. He breaks down the difference between policies and SOPs, why the best processes are built with frontline technicians, and how clear expectations help teams work toward the same goal. If you're ready to get every shift moving in the same direction, you won't want to miss this conversation!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-05

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #Standardization #SOP #Policy #Competency #Goals #Consistency

Are your annual competencies actually measuring proficiency, or just checking boxes? This week, Bobby and Jason sit down with SPD educator Tanya Cambise for an honest conversation about what annual competencies should look like in Sterile Processing. Tanya explains why competency verification isn't about checking another box; it's about ensuring your team can confidently and consistently perform every task in your workflows. From using quality data and daily observations to spotting process drift and targeting high-risk skills, she shares how departments can move beyond the same return demonstrations year after year and focus education where it matters most. If you're ready to rethink annual competencies in your SPD, this conversation is a great place to start!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-04

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #Competencies #Documentation #Checklist #Verification #AnnualCompetency #Education

Dig out those competency binders, #CleanFreaks! On this episode of Beyond Clean, Bobby Parker and co-host Jason Minutillo welcome Jeremy Bernier to discuss what it really takes to bring a competency program into the digital age. He explains why modernizing your competencies isn't just about incorporating technology; it's about creating a system that supports continuous learning, reflects real workflows, and grows alongside your department. From aligning education with everyday practice to engaging frontline technicians, Jeremy shares his biggest takeaways for building a competency program that stays relevant long after survey season has passed. If you're looking for smarter ways to keep your competencies current, consistent, and meaningful, this episode is a must-listen!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-03

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #Competencies #Documentation #Digital #Technology #Education #Workflows

Looking around your SPD, chances are many of your fellow #CleanFreaks found their way into Sterile Processing through very different journeys. But that's beginning to change. This week, we sit down with Veronica Martinez, Sterile Processing Coordinator at Mountainland Technical College, to explore how collegiate programs are changing the way people begin their careers in Sterile Processing. Veronica shares how hands-on labs, clinical partnerships, and classroom learning prepare students before they ever step into an SPD. She also explains why curiosity, critical thinking, and understanding the "why" behind every process are just as important as learning the tasks themselves. If you're considering a collegiate program or welcoming new graduates into your department, this episode will have you rethinking what it means to prepare for a career in SPD!

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-02

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #CollegiatePrograms #Classroom #Learning #CareerDevelopment #Graduate

Every strong SPD starts with strong leadership. The question is: how do you build it? On the Season 33 premiere of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Jason Minutillo and Concepcion "Connie" Class Ballejo to explore what it really takes to prepare new leaders before they're expected to lead. They discuss everything from mentorship and structured onboarding to creating support systems that help new managers build relationships, gain confidence, and grow into their roles from day one. Whether you're stepping into leadership for the first time or mentoring the next generation, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help your team become truly built different.

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode33-01

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Season33 #BuiltDifferent #TrainingInSPD #Leadership #Leader #Teams #Mentoring #Onboarding

Sterilization monitoring shouldn't slow your department down. On this week's Beyond Clean Vendor Spotlight™, Matt Linabery and Larry Talapa from Solventum join us to share how Solventum's latest solutions are helping SPD teams simplify workflows while increasing confidence in their sterilization monitoring processes. From the digital pass/fail results and innovative technology of the 3M™ Attest™ eBowie-Dick Test System to the preassembled 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Clear Challenge Pack and 3M™ Attest™ Steam Clear Challenge Packs designed to save time and improve consistency, these innovative solutions were built for the growing demands of today's SPD. Tune in today to discover how Solventum is helping Sterile Processing departments rethink efficiency, standardization, and monitoring across their sterilization workflows.

Learn more about Solventum's Attest™ Sterilization Assurance solutions by visiting go.solventum.com/attest or connecting with your local sales rep. Be sure to check out their library of white papers (see links below) and educational resources for additional insights into their sterilization monitoring solutions.

• Time Saving Advantages of a New Electronic Bowie and Dick Test System
• 3M™ Attest™ eBowie-Dick Test Card Performance for ISO Type 2 Indicators
• Evaluation of the 3M™ Attest™ eBowie-Dick Test Card Performance Requirements for ISO 11140-4 Type 2 Indicators
• 3M™ Attest™ 1295PCD Technical information sheet
• 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Steam Gravity Clear Challenge Pack 1493PCDG
• 3M™ Attest™ Super Rapid Steam Clear Challenge Pack 1492PCD Evaluation

Your steam cycle finishes, and out of habit, someone cracks the sterilizer door. Sound familiar? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we sit down with Echo Pontinen, Sterile Processing Educator at Lee Health, to take a closer look at the long-standing practice of cracking the sterilizer door after a cycle. This conversation will dive into what sterilizer IFUs actually recommend, why wet loads happen in the first place, and how practices meant to "help" can sometimes prevent teams from identifying bigger issues with equipment, water quality, and more. As we wrap up the season, Echo leaves us with one final SPD fact check that may have your team asking whether your current process is solving the problem or hiding it.

After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-08

Visit our CE Credit Hub at https://www.beyondcleanmedia.com/ce-credit-hub to access this quiz and over 350 other free CE credits.

🎉That's a wrap on another incredible season of Beyond Clean! A huge thank you to our guests for sharing their expertise and to our #CleanFreaks for listening and learning with us all season long. We'll see you soon for Season 33!

#BeyondClean #SterileProcessing #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #SteamSterilization #WetLoads #CrackedSterilizerDoor #IFU #Workflow