In this episode, I welcome Mark Miller, a financial powerhouse with nearly 40 years of experience advising business owners, executives, and high-net-worth individuals on how to legally minimize taxes, grow wealth, and build lasting legacies. Mark is the co-founder of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors alongside Bradley J. Hilton (grandson of Conrad Hilton) and author of "Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty."

Key Topics Discussed:

• Retail vs. Smart Money Investing:
  Mark explains the pitfalls of traditional retail investing—such as hidden fees, higher volatility, and risk exposure—and contrasts it with the “smart money” approach used by the ultra-wealthy and family offices. He details how institutional strategies focus on safety, security, and long-term wealth preservation.
• The Family Office Model:
  Learn how the family office concept, pioneered by the Rockefellers, brings together a team of experts (tax, investment, insurance, estate planning) to holistically manage and grow family wealth. Mark shares how Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors are making these advanced strategies accessible to more people, not just the ultra-rich.
• Tax Efficiency and Qualified Plans:
  The conversation dives deep into the tax time bomb lurking in traditional qualified plans (401(k)s, IRAs), and why the wealthy prioritize tax-free withdrawals and efficient estate planning. Mark discusses Roth conversions, proprietary tax strategies, and the importance of planning for your largest lifetime expense—taxes.
• Portfolio Diversification and Alternative Investments:
  Mark outlines the “bucket” approach to portfolio construction, balancing safe and secure investments, income-generating assets, institutional-grade managed money, and alternatives like private equity and real estate. He emphasizes the need for true diversification beyond the outdated 60/40 model.
• Actionable Tips for Professionals:
  Mark’s top advice for listeners:
  1. Prioritize safety and security in your investments.
  2. Minimize fees to maximize long-term returns.
  3. Reduce portfolio volatility for better wealth growth.
  4. Have a proactive plan to lower your tax burden.

Resources & Contact:

• Book:
  "Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty" – Complimentary copies available at hiltonwealth.com
• Contact Mark Miller:
  Visit hiltonwealth.com to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation or request an assessment of your financial situation.
• Connect with Dr. Mike:
  • drmike@theorthocoach.com
  • Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
  • Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Disclaimer:
The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your own tax and legal professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Liz Walker, a leading orthodontist and passionate advocate for airway health. Dr. Walker shares her unique journey from a background in public relations to becoming a pioneer in integrating airway-focused care into orthodontics. Together, they explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and future of collaborative, whole-body approaches to dental and medical care.

Listeners will gain insight into the importance of early airway evaluation, the impact of CBCT imaging, and the obstacles faced by dental professionals in adopting proactive, evidence-based airway care. Dr. Walker also introduces her new initiative, AirwayZ, designed to empower both providers and patients with education and resources for better airway health.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Walker’s personal and professional journey into airway-focused orthodontics
• The influence of her father and the power of mentorship in embracing new technology (CBCT)
• The paradigm shift from traditional orthodontics to a holistic, airway-centered approach
• The role of CBCT imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning
• What “evidence-based” really means in dental and medical practice
• Systemic resistance in academia and professional organizations (AAO, AAPD) to airway-focused care
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration: building networks with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep physicians, and more
• How to educate medical colleagues and the public about pediatric airway health
• Overcoming obstacles: time constraints, burnout, and the business realities of airway-focused practice
• The launch of Airway Z: a platform for education, networking, and patient-provider connection in airway health
• Strategies for effective communication with medical colleagues and advocating for patients
• The need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic and dental education and practice

Notable Quotes:

• “Breathing is the most important thing we do. It is the most important bodily function. Breathing through the nose is the only way that our body feels safe doing it. Period.” – Dr. Liz Walker
• “The etiology is multifactorial. The solution needs to be multifaceted—and multidisciplinary.” – Dr. Mike Deluke
• “You have to breathe it to believe it.” – Dr. Liz Walker

Resources & Links:

• Airway Z: airwayz.com – Sign up for updates on Dr. Walker’s new platform for airway health education and networking.
• Contact Dr. Liz Walker: liz@airwayz.com | breathe@airwayz.com
• The Ortho Coach: theorthocoach.com – Access CE courses and private coaching with Dr. Mike Deluce.
• Join the DOC Community on FG: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AWfwf25zU/
• Orhan Tuncay Article ( AJODO, 1993): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8249937/

Calls to Action:

• Know a great guest for the show, or want to be featured? Email Dr. Mike at mike@theorthocoach.com.
• Subscribe, rate, and review The DOC Podcast on your favorite platform to help us reach more listeners.

About the Show:
The DOC Podcast is dedicated to helping dental and medical professionals lead happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives—personally and professionally. Each episode features in-depth conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners who are shaping the future of healthcare.

Thank you for listening!
Remember: You have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Trish and John Hopper, parents of Lauren, to share their family’s transformative journey through airway-focused, proactive orthodontic care. Discover how early intervention not only changed Lauren’s smile but also dramatically improved her sleep, health, and confidence.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction & Listener Appreciation
02:30 – The Impact of the Show: Airway and Orthodontics
05:00 – Why Early, Holistic Care Matters
08:00 – Lauren’s Story: From Crooked Teeth to Airway Discovery
12:00 – The Diagnosis: Beyond Teeth – Sleep, Breathing, and Growth
18:00 – The Treatment Plan: Braces at Age 6, No Expanders
25:00 – The Parent Experience: Fears, Hopes, and Trust
32:00 – Lauren’s Transformation: Health, Sleep, and Confidence
40:00 – John’s Perspective: Airway Management as a CRNA
48:00 – The Results: A New Smile, Better Sleep, and a Happier Child
55:00 – Reflections: Why Early Intervention Matters
1:00:00 – Advice for Parents and Providers
1:05:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

✨ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• The importance of shifting from a reactive, tooth-focused approach (“Ortho 2.0”) to a proactive, holistic model (“Ortho 3.0”)
• How Lauren’s airway issues were discovered during a routine orthodontic visit
• The decision to use braces at a young age instead of traditional expanders
• The emotional journey for parents: skepticism, education, and relief
• The dramatic improvements in Lauren’s sleep, energy, and self-confidence
• Insights from John, a nurse anesthetist, on airway health and long-term outcomes
• The broader message: why early, airway-focused orthodontics can change lives

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Visit theorthocoach.com for CE courses and coaching
• To learn more about Dr. DeLuke's early Phase I braces and wires technique: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook for more content and discussion: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WN2TbP5Z/
• Contact Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com

🙌 THANK YOU for listening and supporting The DOC Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with anyone who could benefit from Lauren’s story and the message of proactive, holistic care.

orthodontics#airwayhealth #parenting #pediatrics #podcast #healthykids #earlyintervention #holistichealth #TheDOCPodcast