Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Beyond Clean Podcast
ScienceLife Sciences

Beyond Clean Podcast

Beyond Clean Podcast

Even though their tools and equipment touch nearly every surgical patient in the world, how much do you really know about the people, processes, and products used in the Sterile Processing industry? Beyond Clean offers a creative look into the inner workings of a healthcare industry surrounded by challenges, disrupted by change, and committed to getting it right -- every instrument, every time. The team at Beyond Clean will bring on some of the biggest names in surgical instrument reprocessing and provide commentary on the biggest issues facing Sterile Processing professionals, facilities, administrators, manufacturers, and vendors. Join us every week as we explore the hidden world of one of the most important aspect of safe surgical care.

Play
Open in
  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 35 min
  • English

Episodes 27

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Monday · 28 min

    Complex Devices (Batteries, Electrics & More): How Can We Disinfect What We Can't Immerse?

    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

  • S22 · E7
    September 14 · 34 min

    Season 22 Rewind - Still Sticking Around: Thinking Through Residual Protein

    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!

  • S22 · E5
    September 7 · 36 min

    Season 22 Rewind - Passing the Clean Test? The Variables of Verification

    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!

  • S22 · E1
    August 31 · 32 min

    Season 22 Rewind - What Does a Bowie Dick Do?: A Deep Dive on Air vs. Sterilization

    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!

  • S33 · E8
    August 24 · 35 min

    Built Different - Credit(s) Where It's Due: How Educational Programs Become CE-Approved

    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

  • S33 · E7
    August 17 · 35 min

    Built Different - Built to Last: The Value of Physical Training for the SPD Professional

    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

  • S33 · E6
    August 10 · 35 min

    Built Different - Level Up: Developing Your SPD Team Through Gamification

    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

  • S33 · E5
    August 3 · 39 min

    Built Different - Same Page, Every Shift: The Case for Standardization in SPD

    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

  • S33 · E4
    July 27 · 34 min

    Built Different - Checking a Box, or Checking a Skill? The Truth about Annual Competencies

    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

  • S33 · E3
    July 20 · 27 min

    Built Different - Beyond the Binder: Tracking Competencies with Technology

    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

  • S33 · E2
    July 13 · 35 min

    Built Different - Cap and Gown (and Gloves): SPD Collegiate Programs

    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

  • S33 · E1
    July 6 · 36 min

    Built Different - Competent to Lead: Building Leaders Before Building Teams

    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

  • June 5 · 44 min

    Confidence in Every Cycle: Reducing Guesswork in Sterilization Monitoring

    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

  • S32 · E8
    May 25 · 35 min

    SPD Fact Check - Not All It's Cracked Up to Be: Rethinking the Post-Cycle Door Habit

    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

  • S32 · E7
    May 18 · 34 min

    SPD Fact Check - Scope Sterilization Standoff: Steam vs. Low-Temp for Rigid Endoscopes

    At first glance, most rigid endoscopes look pretty much the same. So why can some be steam sterilized while others absolutely can't? On this episode of "SPD Fact Check," Kurt Audette, Clinical Specialist at KARL STORZ, helps us look beyond the surface and into the complex design features that determine how rigid endoscopes should be reprocessed. From understanding how optics respond to temperature changes to why light post adapters should almost always be removed before sterilization, Kurt connects the anatomy of the scope to the realities of SPD workflow. Whether you're processing rigid scopes every day or still trying to decode the IFUs, this conversation brings much-needed clarity to one of Sterile Processing's most nuanced reprocessing topics. For more rigid endoscope reprocessing insights, check out Kurt's Beyond Clean Rigid Endoscope Expert Series™ here: https://beyondcleanmedia.com/expert-series/rigid-endoscope-expert/ After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-07 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 #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #RigidEndoscopes #IFU #Endoscope #SteamSterilization #LowTempSterilization

  • S32 · E6
    May 11 · 35 min

    SPD Fact Check - Cupboards, Carts, & Corkboards: Managing Sterile Storage Outside the SPD/OR

    Your SPD has temperature controls, storage policies, and carefully designed workflows to protect sterility. So what happens when your instruments leave your facility and head to a clinic across town? This week, we're sitting down with Krystal Parrish to explore the real-world challenges of maintaining sterile storage best practices across clinics and specialty practices. From soiled instruments wrapped in paper towels to sterile supplies stored in office drawers, Krystal shares what her team has uncovered while supporting more than 40 off-site locations. She also discusses how SPD leaders can improve transport and storage practices through education, collaboration, and consistency while still maintaining the trust of the teams they support. If your instruments travel beyond the walls of your facility, this episode will have you taking a closer look at what happens after they leave your department. After finishing this podcast episode, earn your 1 CE credit immediately by passing the short quiz linked here: https://www.flexiquiz.com/SC/N/episode32-06 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 #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #SterileStorage #Transportation #BestPractices #StorageStandards #Consistency

  • S1 · E6
    May 6 · 27 min

    The Last Black Speck: How One Team Solved the Debris Problem for Good

    What does it really take to make sure a black speck problem never comes back? In the final episode of "What the Speck?," Sterile Processing expert Kendra Lucas shares the real-world story of how her team worked through one of the most disruptive debris issues a department can face. From canceled surgeries and strained OR/SPD relationships to the detailed root cause analysis needed to uncover the source, Kendra walks us through the investigation that finally revealed what was really happening behind the scenes. Because solving the mystery is one thing—but making sure it never returns is the real victory. Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing's most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we're digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

  • S2 · E12
    May 5 · 43 min

    On Pathogens & PPE: Taking the Lead in SPD

    You're doing the work. You're solving the problems. Now it's time to take the lead! On this Season 2 finale of "On Pathogens & PPE," host Jill Holdsworth is joined by Kelly Zabriskie, Lee Smith, Dr. Kevin Bush, and David Jagrosse to take a closer look at what leadership really means in Sterile Processing. From finding your voice and building confidence to forming partnerships and stepping beyond the walls of SPD, this group shares what it takes to grow as a leader at every level. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or leading with years of experience, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about your role and your impact. You won't want to miss this one, #CleanFreaks! That's a wrap on Season 2! Thank you for coming along for the ride, and a big shoutout to our incredible host and special guests for making it all possible. All episodes are now streaming—listen wherever you get your podcasts, or you can catch them on the Beyond Clean and Transmission Control websites. #BeyondClean #TransmissionControl #Healthmark #Getinge #OnPathogensAndPPE #SterileProcessing #InfectionPrevention #Podcast *Disclaimer: The views provided by hosts and guests on this series do not represent any employer, company, or third party, and are solely that of the individuals themselves.

  • S32 · E5
    May 4 · 33 min

    SPD Fact Check - Now You See Me: When Borescopes Reveal Dirty Instruments

    You run a borescope through an instrument, and something doesn't look right. Is it debris? Damage? Or has it always been there? On this episode of Beyond Clean, we're joined by William Filipponi to break down one of the biggest challenges teams face after implementing borescopes: knowing what you're actually looking at. From telling the difference between debris and manufacturing artifact to building reference tools that help your team make confident calls, Bill walks us through how to make sense of what you're seeing inside your instruments for the first time. Whether you're new to borescopes or looking to strengthen your process, this episode brings clarity to one of the biggest learning curves 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/episode32-05 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 #Podcast #Season32 #SPDFactCheck #Borescopes #InstrumentInspection #SurgicalInstruments #Debris

  • S1 · E5
    April 29 · 36 min

    A Speck in Your Eye: Putting an End to the Finger-Pointing

    Black specks may be small, but the tension they create between departments can be anything but. In this episode of "What the Speck?," Alex Miseirvitch from Aesculap® joins us again to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges in solving the black speck mystery—finger-pointing. When trays are rejected and surgeries are delayed, the pressure to find someone responsible can quickly overshadow the real goal: protecting patients and solving the issue together. Alex shares lessons from the field on how teams can move past blame and work together to find real solutions. Because when everyone is focused on proving who's right, it becomes a lot harder to solve what's actually wrong. Tune in today! Over the next 6 weeks, this series dives into one of sterile processing's most frustrating challenges—black specks. From water and steam quality to department culture, risk assessments, and root cause analysis, we're digging into every angle to uncover real answers (and real solutions) for your SPD. A special thanks to our sponsor, Aesculap®, for supporting this podcast series! #BeyondClean #Aesculap #SterileProcessing #WhatTheSpeck #BlackSpecks #SurgicalTrays #Podcast

Showing 1–20 of 27 episodes