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Join Dr. Kim Kutsch, the brilliant mind behind CariFree, as he explores the extraordinary lives of thought leaders in the dental industry, and beyond. Contrary to Ordinary explores further than dentistry - here we unravel the minds of change-makers, paradigm shifters, and world shakers.
Every two weeks, we dive into the stories of our remarkable guests—ordinary people who continually defy limits. Discover their tales of success, resilience, and self-awareness, and explore how they leverage these experiences not only to elevate dental practice and patient care but also to champion personal growth and entrepreneurship. Listen for captivating conversations with innovators who seamlessly blend art and technology, pursue curiosity, and create the truly extraordinary.
Contrary to Ordinary isn't your typical dentistry podcast—it's a vibrant community that's hit #1 in ‘Entrepreneurship,’ #3 in ‘Business,’ and #21 in ‘All Podcasts’ for a reason. We've had the pleasure of hosting inspiring guests like innovators, dental leaders, pioneering inventors, and artists, including Angus Walls, Machell Hudson, Dr. Simon McDonald, Dr. Bobby Birdi, Rella Christensen, Professor Phillip D. Marsh, Carmen Ohling, John Kois, Dr. Susan Maples, Doug Young, Colt Idol, Stephanie Staples, and many more who've graced our mic.
Each episode isn't just a listen; it's a lesson in living an extraordinary life authentically, embracing rebellion, and nurturing leadership. We dive into diverse topics, from mentoring, coaching, personal development, and work-life balance to self-awareness, emotional intelligence, leadership, storytelling, altruism, and motivation. And yes, we also cover dentistry—exploring natural dentists, dental health, dental laboratories, oral care, oral surgery, dental hygiene, caries disease, brushing teeth, and overall tooth care.
Tune in to Contrary to Ordinary for a unique blend of wisdom that goes beyond the ordinary and resonates with all aspects of life! This podcast aims to empower you to be extraordinary in your dental practice and improve not just your dental care but your overall life!
Do you have an extraordinary story you’d like to share with us? Or perhaps a question for Dr. Kutsch. Contact us on our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter today.
About Our Host:
Meet Dr. Kim Kutsch: a retired dentist with 40 years of experience, prolific writer, thought leader, inventor, and researcher in dental caries and minimally invasive dentistry, brings his insatiable curiosity to the forefront. Eager to learn from those breaking boundaries in dentistry, particularly in preventative and non-invasive dentistry approaches, Dr. Kutsch launched the Contrary to Ordinary podcast. As a keen creative and curious mind, Dr. Kutsch extends his podcast guest list to artists, entrepreneurs, and fascinating minds who have piqued his interest. He wants to learn from them and see how he can be inspired by their extraordinary ways of living and adapt his learnings into his own life and his business, CariFree.
About CariFree:
CariFree is the new model for oral health and cavity prevention. Dr. Kutsch is the CEO and founder of this business. They create cutting-edge technology and science-based solutions to common dental health concerns for the whole family, making it easy to banish cavities for good with preventive strategies over restorative procedures. Find out how dentists are using CariFree products to revolutionize their dental practices here: https://carifree.com/success-stories/.
Recording:
Extraordinary.
Leader.
Innovative.
Integrity.
Honest.
Courageous.
Curious.
Thoughtful.
Brave.
Unafraid.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
There is a place where technology and art meet, where work and play are one and the same. When the threads of curiosity are pulled in this place, the spark of innovation ripples across industries. Those who make this place their home are giants, titans, who pursue creative passion while leaving their mark.
Recording:
Creative.
Flexible.
Brilliant.
Clever.
Confident.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
They are courageous thought leaders set on changing the practice of dentistry and their corner of the world. More than the sum of their parts, we deconstruct the traits that bind these uncommon innovators.
Recording:
Humble.
Daring.
Discipline.
Playful.
Principled.
Spontaneous.
Open.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
To discover what makes them contrary to ordinary, where we explore the extraordinary. Hi there. I'm Dr. Kim Kutsch, host and founder at CariFree. I'm fascinated by what makes the paradigm shifters, world shakers and art makers tick. Let's embark on a journey. Extraordinary is a place where ordinary people choose to exist. Together we will track the peaks of possibility, illuminate the depths of resilience, and navigate the boundless landscape of innovation to discover how some of the most innovative dentists and thought leaders unlock their potential and became extraordinary. On this season of Contrary to Ordinary, we explore the motivation, lives, and the character of innovators who see limitless potential around them. The people behind some of the largest paradigm shifts in the practice of dentistry.
It's worth saying again and again, that having our patient's best interest at heart is critical to our work as dentists, no matter their circumstance or where they're at in life. But what does that mean practically? It means training every single member of our dental teams, empowering them to feel compassion for and respond to their patients' needs holistically. Anyone who's had the privilege of meeting Machell Hudson in a personal or professional capacity will know that this is a philosophy that she not only practices in her work as a hygienist, but in everything she does.
Machell is absolutely one of my favorite people in the world. She's got a charisma about her that's completely infectious and just radiates love and generosity with every step she takes. On top of all that, she's a trusted and effective hygienist who's been in the profession for over 15 years. In 2021, Machell founded Integrative Dental Coaching, an organization that coaches and educates dental teams to implement protocols and best practices for overall patient health. Machell is a proud and passionate fellow and a member of the board of the American Academy for Oral and Systemic health.
She's also a CariFree cooperative member. Before we get into Machell's interview, I just wanted to mention that we have a very special guest host joining me on this episode. Jenny Wolfenbarger, director of business development at Oral Biotech. Thank you, Jenny, for being involved in this fantastic conversation. It's easy to assume that someone as sunny as Machell must have grown up feeling loved and supported.
Machell Hudson:
The opposite of that. It was very, very abusive. I actually had a therapist tell me one time that given the harshness of my childhood, it would not have been uncommon for me to end up in prison. But I knew in all of that abuse, even as a little girl, I don't remember a lot of my childhood, and I think that's a really good thing. But I didn't know what I wanted to do, except I knew I wanted to nurture people and I was going to love people really, really well. And if you know me now, that's still something that I say. I really just want the opportunity to love people really, really well, and I have this great opportunity. One was through friendship initially, and then being a mom. And that's like the greatest gift. You asked me, what am I most grateful for?
I am grateful that the Lord gave me my gentle giant and trusted me to love him so well and grow him into a loving, kind, smart young man. And then third, dentistry. And some people giggle at that, like, "Who loves dentistry?" Well, we do. We get to make so many people feel cared for and really have so many, from our patients to the people who make up our profession, make a difference. It feels good. My faith is the core of who I am. I think we just love people for who they are and try and bring out their strengths. Maybe they don't see them because I feel like that's what happened to me. I've been gifted people who really showed me what my gifts were, and I'm grateful for them. So yeah, I think every day when I wake up, I pray to be an example of the Lord and goodness and love people where they're at.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
You bring up several points there that I'd like to explore a little bit. I think the one thing is I really believe that everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter where they're at because we don't know what they're going through. Everybody has got their own personal journey, and we've all had some good times and we've all had some struggles. And so you never know on a given day where somebody else is at. And it's really important to kind of be respectful of the fact that, "I don't know where they're coming from today or what's going on in their... I don't know what's going on in their life." And so kind of give them the benefit of the doubt and love them. I just have to say, Machell, you are awesome at loving people really, really well. So if that's your goal in life, you are flat rocking it, girl.
Jenny Wolfenbarger:
Yeah, you've succeeded.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
Thank you both for that. You've heard me say this before. I think it's really important, at least for me, when we leave this earth that we have used, and there's even a quote about this that, but that we use every single bit of goodness in us before we leave.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
There was a book I read years ago, the gist of the book was, use all the arrows in your quiver, use them all. And the point being is use it all. Take all your gifts and talents, be the best you can be at being you. Take those gifts and multiply them and help as many people as you can out there. Don't leave anything left over because those arrows aren't going with you. Their only value is being spent right here helping other people. So you had a rough childhood?
Machell Hudson:
That made me who I am today and just that determination to persevere and be better than what I came from. And I'll tell you what, I did it.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Yeah, you absolutely have done it. All those struggles make us who we are. And I know that just in my own life, struggles I've had. I was having this conversation just last night with a friend, and I'm so thankful where I'm at of my life. I feel so blessed, and I'm so grateful, and I'm so thankful. And I said, "I feel so grateful I wouldn't trade where I'm at in my life for anything in the world," but some days it was a bitch getting here. And I look at some of those life experiences, go, "Yeah, okay, I could have avoided that one. Take that one off my list." But then I look at it and go, "But that made me who I am." It made me appreciate things that I probably wouldn't have appreciated. Nobody has a perfect life. Nobody has a perfect family.
My parents weren't Ward and Jane Cleaver, my parents were wonderful. I felt so blessed to have the parents I had, but I don't think anybody ever gets nurtured. Nobody has the perfect childhood and nobody's a perfect parent. And I think that's at one point, maybe in your life as a mom, even, at least for me, when I became a parent, it was kind of like, "Okay, you know what? I'm going to cut my parents a little slack," because they were doing the best they could or at least trying to do the best they could.
Machell Hudson:
I was really an expert at parenting before I had kids.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Oh, you were that person.
Machell Hudson:
Well, with my sister and I love you, Jamie and I'm so sorry.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Oh, it's always easier to be the expert, the armchair quarterback, right? Oh, my gosh.
Machell Hudson:
It's funny.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
So what are some of your strengths, would you say?
Machell Hudson:
I think my greatest strength is being able to meet people where they're at and care for them where they're at, and look at the bigger picture of possibility as a clinician. And then not only connect all the dots of health, but instill a belief that they can get better.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Machell is a shining example of someone who built not only resilience from their trauma, but has developed compassion and love for the hard times she's been through. Being able to meet people where they're at is a skill that I think could create a better world for all of us. In her career, she brings that skill to work every day as a hygienist. When did you decide to become a hygienist? How'd that all happen?
Machell Hudson:
I have no doubt that the good Lord said, "You're going to be a hygienist." And I said, "No," for a really long time. I've always loved smiles. It's always been, as long as I can remember, the most beautiful thing about a person. I wasn't the girl who said, "Oh, look at Neil." That's my fiance. So we're using him as an example.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Right. Okay. All right.
Machell Hudson:
"Look at Neil." He's a crossfitter. So he's built well. I wouldn't have noticed. I mean, I would've noticed-
Jenny Wolfenbarger:
Let's be honest.
Machell Hudson:
Let's be honest. But what would've been most attractive to me would be the smile. And it's not even beautiful teeth. And everyone thinks that if you're in the dental profession, that it's all about these straight, beautiful big white teeth. It's not. I share in some of my presentations, a picture of an older man who, you could tell that he comes from a very poor area and same with a young child, and then again, a beautiful smile. But what I looked for when I was creating this slide were smiles that you felt like sunshine, looking at these smiles, even in the absence of these beautiful perfect teeth.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Right, yeah. I see photographs. Well, I've traveled. I've been very fortunate. I've traveled all over the world, and you get to third-world countries and some of the poorest people that I've ever seen in my entire life, and they're happy and they smile and they have the most beautiful smiles. They don't have perfect teeth. Sometimes they don't even have teeth, but they have this just heartwarming smile and you just go, "Oh." And I think that's such a human characteristic, smiling. It's such an important part of, I think, who we are and our culture to be able to smile. So many people don't smile enough.
Machell Hudson:
Agree.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
But have you ever had this happen? I like to smile at people. I like to greet people when I meet them on the street, when I'm walking the street. So you always give eye contact and flash them a smile. And they probably think, "Who's that weirdo? What does he want? What does he want?" And in New York, that'll get you mugged, but here in Oregon, we wave at each other while we're driving by. And you walk through my hometown and everybody says hi, and we smile, even if it... I don't know, I smile and say hi or something.
Machell Hudson:
You never know who needs your goodness. And that goodness could be as simple as a smile.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
You need to keep putting the goodness out there. Life can be tough and you have no idea what other people might be going through. A smile is free to give. So it's a great way of getting a little light out into the world. Throughout Machell's life and career, her family and friends have provided her support and helped her guide her on the path that she's on today.
Machell Hudson:
I am who I am because of the people that I have been gifted. I think where I've began to grow the most was, of course, becoming a mother. And is it odd to say that in a weird way, my son is, he's taught me to be just a better human being every day. And just how amazing it is to love someone in such an honest, real way and to have that love in return. I was working in a great practice in Arlington, Texas, and I was living in Grandberry, Texas. I had moved to Grandberry and kept my job and I'm like a loyal dog and really felt very lucky to work for the doctors that I was working for. They're just great guys. But I was driving and my son had tutoring three days a week. My son is dyslexic, and then all of his sporting events, so practice.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
You're a super mom.
Machell Hudson:
I was really trying to be. And so a friend of mine, Sammy Blake, Hey Sammy, I love you and thank you very much. I owe you a whole lot for pushing me. She calls me up and she says, "Oh, my gosh, Grandberry Dental Center is hiring and you need to interview for that job." And I was like, "Nope, I'm happy where I'm at." And she's like, "You're driving two hours a day and if the traffic's good." "Nope, I'm not leaving. I'm happy. I'm going to work here for 50 years." And she wouldn't leave me alone. So I called and Cynthia Baird was the office manager at the time, and I knew within 10 minutes I was going to take that job. So I have 100% confidence that the Lord intended for that to happen, and pay attention to those little signs, they're meant to be.
And it was under that green roof at that time, we built a new practice a decade ago, but it was under that roof that I learned family outside of my relationship with my son. But I learned family that truly pushed you to be better, that believed in you and trusted you. And it wasn't just one-sided. It wasn't me seeing the goodness in these people and seeing how amazing they are and how well they take care of their patients and each other within the... We were a family. And Dr. Bruce, and Cynthia Baird, and Dr. Jeff, and Kami Buski, really, they taught me how to be a better healthcare provider. I learned so much. The foundation of what I teach today is because of them, but they taught me what family was. And I wasn't always easy.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Really?
Machell Hudson:
No. I mean, I know that that is a shocker for people because I'm never difficult. And Bruce and Cynthia are laughing right now. Kami even used to say, "I'm surprised he's not fired you yet." Two different times, I challenged him. It was miscommunication all the way. But I walked the second time. My feelings were hurt and very sensitive person. And so I walked in the office and I told Cynthia, "I don't have to be here. I can go to any office in this town and get a job." Little bit of arrogance there. And not because I thought I was the best hygienist of the world. I thought I was a good hygienist. I just know how well I connect with patients. And that is extremely valuable. You can be the smartest healthcare provider out there, but if you cannot connect with your patients, it's worthless. And so Bruce comes in and we have a sit down and he proceeds to tell me that I remind him of himself, and that he loved my passion and just all these really great things.
And I was mad because he'd hurt my feelings. And so I wasn't real responsive to it that day. I couldn't sleep at all that entire night. And for the first time in my life, I really felt like... He didn't want me in his world because of what I could do for him, make him money. He and Cynthia loved me for who I was, and they wanted me to be better. It was just the weirdest feeling. So they pushed me for about eight years to move out of clinical, some, by part-time. And so initially I started, helped create hygiene coaching for Productive Dentist Academy, their program. And it was because of the confidence that, it wasn't the confidence that I had in myself. It was because they believed in me. And when someone believes in you, don't ignore that.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Sometimes if you're surrounded with people that care about you, sometimes they see things in you that we don't see in ourselves. And that's important to listen to that because it's like, "Wow, well, I don't see myself that way, but well, maybe I should be open-minded to giving that a try." Extraordinary people will take that and go, "Huh, that's interesting. I didn't see that myself, but you obviously do. And I respect and trust you. So maybe you're onto something there. Maybe I should investigate that and take a chance." And there are some people that say, "Uh-uh, no." And one of the things that drives is one of my pet peeves. I'll be in a grocery store someplace and I'll see a parent berating their child. "And you're no good at that. You'll never be any good at that." And I think, what a horrible thing to say to a child.
I was raised by parents that always encouraged me to try everything. No big surprise there. "Don't be afraid. Go out, try it. You can be anything that you want to be." I mean, they were always encouraging me. Never once did I hear, "You won't be able to do that. You won't succeed at that." And so I was encouraged my whole life to... Hey, I got a lot of confidence to go out and try anything and not be afraid. And Dana's amazing sometimes because I'll go try something. She would never do that, get out of the comfort zone. And I think in the extraordinary people that I meet, it's like they do get out. They're comfortable getting out of their comfort zone. I think to do extraordinary things in this world, you have to be somewhat fearless. Because you're going to get some criticism. I mean, the pioneers are always the ones with the arrows in their back.
Machell Hudson:
Lots of criticism.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Lots of criticism. Especially if you're trying to challenge the status quo.
Machell Hudson:
Yes.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Nobody likes having their cheese moved. So if you're out there doing that, you're being innovative and disruptive, you're going to get that. I mean, that comes with the territory. And at some point in time you have to get comfortable with that. I know for me, I had to grow a really thick skin because I was kind of sensitive as I was younger. And I got to the point now that it's like, that's just static in the background. I don't care what they say. I know what I believe and what I'm trying to accomplish and who I am, and the people that know me love me. And so I'm feeling pretty good about all that. So I think that that helps, being surrounded by people that love you and that support you, even though some days you're not your best. Sounds like maybe you could be contrary.
Machell Hudson:
I mean, I have moments. I have moments.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
So at least you're on the right podcast. Contrary to Ordinary.
Machell Hudson:
I mean, I'm human.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
I tell Neil all the time, "Well, honey, I can't be perfect because then that just wouldn't be fair."
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Exactly.
Jenny Wolfenbarger:
That would be boring.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Having a loving family who encourages you is not something that everyone has access to. So many of us are completely unaware of, or reject, the goodness that the people who love and respect us see in our hearts. Machell's big heart has also taken her into the world of advocacy.
Machell Hudson:
So I speak human trafficking awareness and really wanting to get into all aspects of child advocacy as well. But human trafficking awareness really in our country. I think since I went on my mission trip in 2019, things are changing and awareness, it's out there. It's a law now in Texas, in several states that you have to have awareness, CE, if you're a healthcare provider. Restaurants have to have information in there. But in 2019, I didn't really even know that it existed in our country. I mean, maybe a little. I went to the Dominican Republic with Barnabas Task Mission. Tom Hinton was the missionary that led that. Dr. Dave Diehl out of Indiana, incredible human being. And his oldest daughter went to TCU, and this is funny. I just love how things happen. We're sitting in a PDA meeting and they start talking about this mission trip.
Dave is promoting this mission trip. And I'm like, "I've gotta go." I knew I wanted to go. I just felt that. And my son was finally old enough. I was a single mom most of his life. So anyway, Dave was like, "My daughter's thinking about coming to school in Texas." And I was like, "She's got to go to TCU." And she was looking at a few... She ended up picking TCU. One of the main reasons is because of me. And so this family became my family, and we went to church together.
I didn't think she'd ever want anything to do with me. Because I had that friendship, that family feel with them. And then Bruce and Cynthia, several from our office, and then some from PDA, Victoria went as well. And we're there for a dental mission. But there's a group that we always take care of, and it's New Hope Girls. And Joy and Fedal are a couple that are from the United States and had this calling to just go to the DR, for no reason. They'd never had the desire to go to the DR. And they believed that the Lord was telling them to go.
And they went and they discovered not long after getting there, human trafficking. It's in your face in the Dominican Republic. And it's heartbreaking to see that. I know what that feels like, to be hurt in that way, but I can't even begin to imagine what trafficked children are feeling there.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Or what they're going through. Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
None of us long through can even... So you can't help but feel this need to make this world more aware, and we have to stop it. We have to stop it. I heard their story. And then we were so blessed, we got to go out into the community. I went early so that we could do some community work and human trafficking is in my face. And it was very... Every single day that I was there, I cried. I would go into my room after, whether it be the community or in the dental clinics, and I would just go cry.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
How can you not? If you had a heart and if you had any compassion, how could you not?
Machell Hudson:
I didn't want to leave the DR. I wanted to stay and I wanted to do my part to stop it, but I also had a son at home that...
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Right. Real world.
Machell Hudson:
And so when I came home, I instantly knew that that was something that I needed to do here. And so I started doing research and learning how prevalent it is in our country. And it's everywhere. We don't know enough, but we know enough. And there's been some good research in Texas, and Texas is the one state that you get awareness training. You have to have one hour, which is really not enough, but it's a start. So I'm an accredited-
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Trainer, educator for that.
Machell Hudson:
... for healthcare. And I can go into schools too. And I trained to be an advocate and given work, I hadn't yet... I volunteered for Unbound all the time. And that is a really, really incredible nonprofit that is not only doing awareness, but they're doing all levels of advocacy. And I'll tell you, even in... You think prostitutes choose this. And many prostitutes are being trafficked.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
They're sex slaves.
Machell Hudson:
Yes, they are.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Essentially.
Machell Hudson:
And many of them are addicted to drugs. They didn't choose that. They were conditioned. And snatch and grab is a very small percentage, these victims, and they're survivors y'all. They're just doing the best they can. They're beat down and they're conditioned and they're given drugs, and so they become addicted. And we don't know what that's like. We haven't walked in their shoes. And I just have a real heart for them, and we just have to make it better. And we have to look... And many of them go into healthcare and they're over 80%. All the signs are there, but we don't know it. So now that we have these awareness courses out there, we can learn and learn what to do if it is in our... I mean, there's a whole process to it.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Yeah. I think just the border crisis we have in the United States at the moment and the Mexican cartel and the human trafficking going on, that's kind of highlighted there. But I think it's raised our just general awareness of human trafficking. And that already it's here in the United States. That is a crisis.
Machell Hudson:
It is.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
But we have that crisis here at home to begin with, and we maybe don't see it as well. And so it hasn't been a focus, but I know it's here. And the more you look at it, the more you find.
Machell Hudson:
So not to talk politics, but let's just talk the border for just a second. There are those that believe we should let everyone come in. And the hard part of that, let's just take smuggling, many of these trafficked victims, they're smuggling in, meaning they're paying someone to get them here, and then they get here and they can't afford to pay their debt. And then it just turns into trafficking, and that debt will never be paid.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
So by having that kind of open border situation, thinking that maybe our intent is to rescue all these people. We're actually increasing the trafficking that's going on. You're making it more lucrative for the people that are in that business.
Machell Hudson:
I don't even know what the solution is for that.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
I don't either. I don't have the answers for that. But I think that it's just, certainly the border crisis has raised, I think the general awareness that we all have for trafficking now. And if nothing else, that's a good thing that's come out of it. Because I think there needs to be more awareness on it.
Machell Hudson:
Agree.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
And even as healthcare providers, to be able to look for it and identify it if you see it, to help these people, help them get out.
Machell Hudson:
Yeah. 87% of them are unidentified. And they will not tell you. They will not tell you.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Well, they're afraid.
Machell Hudson:
Yes.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
They can't. They're afraid of... Thank you for being that person and doing that. I mean, I just really admire you for that.
Human trafficking is prevalent around the world, and we're lucky to have people like Machell advocating on behalf of the people who don't have a voice. This work is hard, but Machell finds joy in the little things in life, and this gives her strength.
Machell Hudson:
I'm such a dork. I just love Neil for loving me so much. So for fun, I love being outside, and I love wussy hikes. I'm not going to do anything on a ledge. I'll do elevation. Elevation doesn't scare me. But the hiking and the backpacking that my sweet man loves to do, he just gets to do that with his buddies.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
So you're not like bungee jumping or anything like that.
Machell Hudson:
That's just not going to happen.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
No skydiving. I'm checking off your list here. No high dives,
Machell Hudson:
Not going to happen.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
No rock climbing.
Machell Hudson:
I really would love to be a rock climber. I really think that... I thought at one time, "Ooh, I have overcome my fear of public speaking." I was just as fearful of public speaking as I am of heights. So I decide to go big or go home. So I'm going to climb with, there's five of a girls trip. And I'm going to climb Mount Evans and Summit, and it was I think six to eight hours' hike. And there's these kids running up like it's nothing. And I was like, "Well, those little kids suck," because I'm scared to death. And really, I'm jealous and just love that there's no fear. And my son's not afraid of heights, and I love that I didn't instill that in him.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Exactly. You didn't pass that fear on. Yeah. Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
Yeah. I tried very much not to. But I'll tell you, the next day, as we're drinking coffee, everyone's talking about how sore their legs are, and I was like, "My legs aren't sore. I feel fine." And they're like, "Well, it's because you crawled on all fours the whole time.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Your arms hurt, but your legs are doing fine. Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
So there's that. But yeah, I just enjoy being outside. This is so funny, but being here, I would have planned this trip for fun.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Oh yeah. It's so beautiful here. Yeah, I know, right?
Machell Hudson:
And to learn from y'all. Steve Lamberg is speaking today. He's awesome.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Oh, he is incredible. No, I've absolutely, yeah, I love that guy. So it sounds like you loved the outdoors.
Machell Hudson:
I do. And then getting involved in community. I think that that's really important. I really love-
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
That's another value.
Machell Hudson:
Yeah. So, looking for things like that in North Carolina. So if you live in North Carolina around Charlotte, Weddington, Waxall, and some fun community stuff for me to get involved in, please let me know.
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
Yep. Well, I can give them your cell phone number so they can actually get ahold of you for that. Yeah.
Machell Hudson:
I actually give my cell phone number out all the time, and sometimes people are, "Why do you give everyone your cell phone number?" And I'm like, "Because Kim Kutsch and Susan Maples gave me their phone number one time. And so it's only fair."
Dr. Kim Kutsch:
It's only fair. Well, Machell, this has been just a fantastic conversation. I always enjoy spending time with you, and I hope that our global community here got a chance to know the Machell Hudson that I know as a person, because you're such an amazing individual and absolutely to define the word extraordinary. So thank you for being here today with us.
Machell Hudson practices what she preaches. In her career as a hygienist, she puts the patient at the center of her work, taking a hands-on approach to making their lives better. As an advocate, she approaches difficult topics and vulnerable people with care and compassion. That's both rare and vitally important. But perhaps most of all, she lives and breathes the idea of love every single day. Thank you so much to Machell Hudson at Integrative Dental Coaching for practicing love and compassion in everything you do. And thank you for coming on this journey with me today. Around here, we aim to inspire and create connections. We can't do it without you. If this conversation moved you, made you smile or scratch that little itch of curiosity today, please share it with the extraordinary people in your life. And if you do one thing today, let it be extraordinary.