Kevin and Zach on Dental School Reunions

The Very Dental Podcast Network38mApril 21, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Kevin Harefriar, a dentist with 37 years of post-graduation experience, opens up about his deep ambivalence toward dental school reunions—despite his co-host Zach Miners' enthusiasm for attending his 25-year reunion. Kevin reveals that while he acknowledges the value of reconnecting with old classmates, he avoids reunions due to emotional baggage tied to his time at The Ohio State University dental school, describing the experience as akin to returning to a place of past trauma. He admits to avoiding the campus for over a decade, even after it was renovated, and shares a vivid memory of accidentally running into the dean during a chaotic moment in his senior year. Despite his discomfort, Kevin admits he enjoys brief, low-stakes interactions and even embraces awkwardness—calling himself a fan of 'cringe comedy'—which makes him uniquely suited to navigate such events. The episode becomes a candid exploration of human memory, emotional avoidance, and the paradox of seeking connection while fearing vulnerability. Ultimately, Kevin concludes that while reunions may be awkward, they’re worth it for the chance to hear someone’s story—even if there’s no intention to follow up.

Key Takeaways
1

Avoiding dental school campuses for over 10 years due to emotional trauma, even after renovations.

2

Reunions trigger anxiety about potential awkwardness and unreciprocated emotional investment.

3

Kevin enjoys brief, one-on-one interactions more than large group gatherings at reunions.

4

Human memory is malleable—people often 'implant' false memories to maintain social harmony.

5

Embracing awkwardness can be therapeutic; Kevin admits to loving cringe comedy and now plans to lean into it.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
1 min

Sponsor: Net32 – Clear Supply Choices

Net32 is introduced as a platform that gives dental practices transparent, side-by-side pricing and vendor comparisons, eliminating hidden markups and sales pressure. A 30-day money-back guarantee is highlighted.

0:48
1 min

Welcome to The Very Clinical Podcast

The hosts introduce the show’s format: casual, humorous, and unstructured, with a focus on everyday dentistry tips and personal stories.

1:48
2 min

Tech Throwback: First Computers and Backups

Kevin and Zach share nostalgic stories about their first computers, including the Apple Quadra, DOS systems, and the era of floppy disks and zip drives.

3:27
1 min

DraftKings Sponsor Segment

The hosts use DraftKings to gamify dental restorations, betting on how long a composite will last—especially for patients who don’t brush.

4:40
2 min

Zach’s Upcoming 25-Year Reunion

Zach shares his excitement about attending his UMKC dental school reunion, reflecting on his lifelong ties to Kansas City and the emotional weight of reconnecting after decades.

High-Impact Quotes
I had a feeling that I can only describe as what someone would feel like if they went back to the home that they were abused in when they were a child.
Kevin Harefriar33:06
Viral: 88.0
love awkward. I, I, you've opened my eyes. There you go. I love awkward.
Kevin Harefriar37:59
Viral: 82.0
You want to be agreeable. You want to share the memory even if it's not there for you.
Kevin Harefriar30:48
Viral: 76.0
Speakers

Hosts

Kevin HarefriarZach Miners
Topics Discussed
dental school reunions95%emotional avoidance90%human memory85%cringe comedy80%awkward social interactions78%dental school nostalgia75%digital nostalgia65%fantasy football60%
People & Brands

Kevin Harefriar

person

85xNeutral

Zach Miners

person

72xNeutral

UMKC

organization

14xNeutral

The Ohio State University

organization

12xNeutral

DraftKings

brand

6xPositive

Copalite

brand

5xNeutral

Net32

brand

4xPositive

Apple Quadra

product

3xNeutral

DOS

product

2xNeutral

zip drive

product

2xNeutral

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