125: Behind the Scrubs: How Doc Really Makes It Work

What if the person holding the saxophone is also the one holding the dental drill—and both roles are fueled by the same kind of precision? On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist Phillip “Doc” Martin, a dentist with a private practice who’s also a Billboard charting artist with major momentum behind him.

We get into the origin story: a nine-year-old hearing Kenny G’s “Songbird” and instantly knowing, “That’s what I want to do.” From there, Doc’s path is anything but typical—music school, professional gigs, a record deal moment, and the decision to build a second foundation that could keep him free. We talk honestly about what the public doesn’t see: the time math, the financial reality of touring, the trade-offs, and the reason he keeps most patients unaware of just how hard he plays.

Doc also breaks down the mindset shift that changed everything—how owning the practice gives him control over his calendar, how a small team makes touring possible, and how he decides which opportunities are worth his energy. And yes, we talk about the credibility twist: the “Doc” nickname is real, the dentistry is real, and the music is real—nine records deep, with a recent album and Billboard-noted songs that helped cement his rise.

If you’ve ever wondered how an artist stays consistent without burning out—or how to build a career that can survive the music industry’s chaos—this conversation is your blueprint.

Connect with Philip: https://www.phillipdocmartin.com/