The Netflix show Stranger Things has become a global cultural phenomenon. In this solo Eye2Eye episode, Dr. Harbir Sian shares an unexpected but powerful lesson inspired by Stranger Things.

But the lesson learned may not be what you might expect. Fans of the show may expect something related to the comradery exemplified by all the friends fighting evil together.

Instead, using the resurgence of Kate Bush’s iconic song Running Up That Hill as a real-world case study, Harbir reflects on the importance of patience, consistency, and trusting that effort often pays off on a timeline we can’t predict.

This episode isn’t about TV shows or pop culture—it’s about doing the work, taking the shot, owning your value, and recognizing that impact and success can arrive long after the work is done.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

1. Your timing is not the universe’s timing

You may put in years of effort before seeing results—but that doesn’t mean the work wasn’t worth it.

2. Consistent effort compounds, even when it feels invisible

Kate Bush’s decades-old song became a global hit 40 years later. Impact doesn’t always come immediately.

3. You miss every opportunity you never try for

Progress only happens when you take the shot—publish the content, start the project, have the conversation.

4. Own what makes you different

Your personality, perspective, and voice are assets. Lean into them instead of blending in.

5. Own your work—literally and figuratively

Know your value, protect your rights, and charge appropriately so you can show up fully.

Key Quotes from the Episode

“Your timing, my timing, is not the same as the universe’s timing.”

“If we don’t try, if we don’t put out that content, we’ll never achieve that goal.”

“Kate Bush made more money 40 years later than she did when the song first came out.”

“Own your uniqueness—lean into it and leverage it.”

“If you’re good at something, don’t do it for free.”

“You might already be planting the seeds for something you haven’t even imagined yet.”

Who This Episode Is For

• Optometrists and healthcare professionals building long-term careers
• Entrepreneurs frustrated by slow or delayed growth
• Creators and leaders questioning whether their effort is “worth it”
• Anyone needing motivation to keep going—even when results aren’t visible yet

Final Thought

This episode is a reminder that meaningful success often arrives quietly, unexpectedly, and much later than planned—but only if you’re willing to keep showing up.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/

Marketing an optometry practice is evolving faster than ever—and the strategies that worked even a year ago may no longer be enough.

In this episode of The 20/20 Podcast, Dr. Harbir Sian welcomes back digital marketing expert Tyler Kemp for a timely conversation on what practice owners need to understand about marketing heading into 2026.

They break down how Google’s AI-driven search updates have reshaped SEO, why awareness marketing is still massively undervalued in eye care, how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing patient search behavior, and why blending digital with traditional marketing may be one of the biggest growth opportunities for independent practices.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by algorithms, AI, and where to spend your marketing dollars, this episode brings clarity and practical direction.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Google’s AI updates are rewarding quality, hyper-local content
• Why patients search differently on AI tools versus Google
• The growing influence of Google reviews on both patients and AI-generated summaries
• Why awareness marketing matters more than “book now” ads alone
• How patient attrition impacts growth—and why retention isn’t enough
• Why direct mail is making a surprising comeback when paired with digital ads
• How independent practices can compete without massive marketing budgets

Key Takeaways

• AI hasn’t replaced Google—it’s made good Google content more important
• Patients choose practices they recognize and trust
• Most potential patients are in the awareness stage, not ready to book
• Google reviews now influence both visibility and credibility
• Sustainable growth requires balancing retention, awareness, and conversion

Memorable Quotes

• “People choose who they trust—and they trust who they know.”
• “If patients have never heard of you, they’re not choosing you.”
• “Awareness is the most underutilized part of the marketing funnel in eye care.”

About the Guest

Tyler Kemp is a seasoned digital marketer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in marketing for the eye care industry. Based in Calgary, he has spent the past six years with Marketing4ECPs, helping optometry practices across North America build patient-centred strategies that drive real results. He also shares marketing insights on Instagram at @TyTalksMarketing and co-hosts 4 The Record, a podcast powered by Marketing4ECPs.

Call to Action

If this episode helped you rethink your marketing strategy, share it with a colleague, post it on social media, and leave a review to help more optometrists find the show.

In the first episode of 2026, Dr. Harbir Sian reflects on the past year and shares six powerful lessons he’s intentionally bringing forward into the year ahead. Drawing from personal experience, professional growth, and the continued evolution of the optometry profession, this episode is a thoughtful reset for anyone looking to start the year with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

From the importance of consistency and avoiding complacency, to learning how to say no, value your time, and surround yourself with the right people, this episode is equal parts practical and reflective. Whether 2025 felt like a year you’re glad to leave behind or one you want to build on, these lessons are designed to help you move into 2026 with intention.

🧠 The Six Lessons

1️⃣ Consistency Is King

Big results rarely come from short bursts of effort. Whether it’s fitness, finances, content creation, or business growth, long-term consistency compounds in powerful ways.

2️⃣ Make the Most of Every Day

Rather than living each day like it’s your last, live it like it’s a day you’ll repeat forever. Small daily actions and meaningful interactions add up over time.

3️⃣ Avoid Complacency (The “Velvet Rut”)

Comfort can be deceptive. Growth often stalls not when things are bad, but when they’re “good enough.” The key is recognizing when comfort is holding you back.

4️⃣ Learn to Say No

As opportunities grow, focus becomes essential. If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s probably a no. Time is your most valuable currency—spend it intentionally.

5️⃣ Be Intentional with Who You Spend Time With

Energy matters. The people you surround yourself with influence your mindset, ambition, and growth more than you realize.

6️⃣ Value Yourself — and the Profession

From charging appropriately for your expertise to advocating for optometry at a broader level, valuing yourself is foundational to sustainable success.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

• If you’re reflecting on the year that was and planning the year ahead
• If you’re feeling busy but not always fulfilled
• If you want practical, grounded insights without the hype
• If you care about personal growth and the future of optometry

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! http://www.aboutmyeyes.com/podcast/