Explore every episode of the podcast DRIVE TIME DEBRIEF: A Physician Wellness Podcast with The Whole Physician
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treating a Broken System with Dr. Neil Farber: Episode 240 | 15 oct. 2026 | 00:23:12 | |
Treating a Broken System with Dr. Neil Farber Dr. Neil Farber, a physician and communication researcher, joins us to discuss his new book on physician burnout and the healthcare crisis. Drawing on his experience as both a physician and a patient, he explains how time pressure, clerical burden, and unresponsive administrators hurt physicians and patients alike. He also shares how bad news was poorly delivered to his wife and what it should have looked like, and points to the Mayo Clinicās physician-administrator partnership as a model for real change.
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| Venting: Episode 239 | 08 oct. 2026 | 00:27:17 | |
Episode 239: When Venting Becomes Relationship Poison Venting is a normal, even necessary, way to process hard experiences, but it can slip from releasing emotion into rehearsing it and recruiting allies. The hosts explain why venting feels so good, how validation differs from corroboration, why gossip and "shared enemy" bonding can feel like closeness, and how to seek support without building a jury, starting with the question, "Is this conversation helping me process the problem or helping me preserve it?"
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| Triangulation: Episode 238 | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:24:17 | |
Episode 238: The Hidden Cost of Triangulation Triangulation happens when we manage tension with one person by recruiting a third. It brings short-term relief, but it often leaves the original relationship unresolved or worse. The hosts explain why physicians are especially prone to it, how to tell a helpful "bridge" from an unhelpful "alliance," and how to step out of a triangle by asking, "Have I said this to the person I'm saying it about?"
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| Self-Sabotage: Episode 237 | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:22:58 | |
This episode explores the two forms of self-sabotage that physicians and professionals often encounter: before taking a risk and after experiencing success. Learn how to recognize these patterns and strategies to overcome them to unlock your full potential. Takeaways:
Ā Resources: | |||
| Setbacks: Episode 236 | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:30:41 | |
Summary:
This episode explores how setbacks impact our brain chemistry and motivation, drawing on Dr. Tracy Marks' insights. Learn practical strategies to recover from setbacks, reframe failure, and build resilience with small, intentional actions. Ā Key Topics:
Ā Ā Resources:
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| Diagnosing and Healing the US Healthcare with Dr. MaryAnn Wilbur: Episode 235 | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:53:19 | |
In this episode, theĀ we sit down with Dr. Maryanne Wilbur ā GYN oncologist, public health strategist, author, and CEO of Health Equity Consulting Inc. ā to talk about physician burnout, moral injury, and what it would actually take to fix US healthcare. Topics covered:
Links & Resources:
Ā Ā MaryAnn Wilbur, MD, MPH, MHS LinkedInĀ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-wilbur-md-mph-mhs-5ab008230/Ā Ā | |||
| Avoiding End-of-Life Regrets: Episode 234 | 03 sept. 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
In today's episode, we cover the regrets hospice caregivers hear most often ā not about what people did, but what they didn't do ā and discuss how to catch the small, reasonable-seeming postponements that quietly turn into a lifetime of "someday." We walk through where physicians specifically tend to defer (friendships, kids, our own health and joy), share personal stories of regret and how we've made peace with them, and offer two simple practices to start using today so we're not the ones saying "I wish I had" thirty years from now. Resources:
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| The Reputation Trap: Episode 233 | 27 aoƻt 2026 | 00:28:24 | |
In this episode, we dig into why the reputation we've spent a career building often feels like the thing boundaries would destroy, and why it's actually the thing boundaries protect. Reputation is something we build daily, not a fixed asset locked in at graduation. Today we are going to work through the excuses and fears that keep us from setting boundaries, including the discomfort of realizing we've been judging colleagues who already have them. Resources:
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| Defectiveness, Shame, & Approval-Seeking (Scheme Part 5): Episode 232 | 19 aoƻt 2026 | 00:19:35 | |
Episode: Defectiveness, Shame & Approval-Seeking In the finale of our schema therapy series, we unpack the two schemas behind physician imposter syndrome ā the fear that we're one mistake from being exposed, and the need for everyone's approval to feel okay. We talk about how these patterns form, how medicine reinforces them, the difference between shame and clean accountability, and four steps toward healing. Resources:
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| Emotional Inhibition & Deprivation (Schema Part 4): Episode 231 | 13 aoƻt 2026 | 00:22:39 | |
In this episode, weĀ continueĀ our series on early maladaptive schemas in physicians, this time exploring emotional inhibition and emotional deprivation, the schemas behind the "I'm fine" doctor who looks composed but feels numb, lonely, or disconnected underneath. In this episode:
Next episode: Defectiveness, shame, and approval-seeking, the schemas behind physician imposter syndrome. Resources:
Ā Physician Wellness RetreatĀ Sign up here! | |||
| Self-Sacrifice & Subjugation ā The Perfect Doctor Trap (Schema Part 3): Episode 230 | 06 aoĆ»t 2026 | 00:20:51 | |
Why is it that the most compassionate, reliable doctors are so often the ones quietly disappearing on the inside? In this episode, we continueĀ our series on early maladaptive schemas in medicine, digging into two patterns that show up constantly in physician culture: self-sacrifice ("other people's needs matter more than mine") and subjugation ("I don't have permission to say no"). Together, these two schemas create "the perfect doctor trap" ā the physician everyone can count on, who stays late, skips meals, absorbs everyone else's stress, and rarely asks what they actually need. In this episode, we trace where these patterns come from, why medicine rewards them so effectively, and what it actually looks like to start healing them ā without becoming selfish, cold, or a "bad doctor" in the process. This one might make you a little uncomfortable. In a good way. Ā Connect With Us
Physician Wellness RetreatĀ Sign up here! | |||
| Schema Part 2 (Unrelenting Standards): Episode 229 | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:23:08 | |
In this episode, we explore the unrelenting standards schema and why it is so common in physicians. We discuss the difference between healthy excellence and fear-driven perfectionism, how this schema develops, how medical training reinforces it, and why it can lead to chronic overwork, harsh self-talk, guilt, shame, and burnout. We also offer practical tools for noticing the schema voice, identifying the fear underneath the pressure, defining āenoughā ahead of time, and practicing a healthier adult response. Ā Key ideas:
Ā Reflection question: Where are you calling it excellence when it may actually be fear? Ā Resources: Schema Therapy by Jeffrey Young Physician Wellness Retreat. Sign up here! Ā Ā | |||
| Intro to Schema Therapy: Episode 228 | 23 juil. 2026 | 00:22:56 | |
In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra explore schema therapy and its relevance to physicians, focusing on how deep-rooted patterns from childhood influence burnout and professional behavior. They discuss practical ways to recognize and respond to these schemas to foster well-being and resilience.
00:00 Introduction to Schema Therapy and Physician Burnout Ā Resources: Schema Therapy by Jeffrey Young - https://www.amazon.com/Schema-Therapy-Jeffrey-Young/dp/1462535924 Ā Podcast Fast Track: https://www.thewholephysician.com/fast-track Physician Wellness RetreatĀ Sign up here! | |||
| Indulgent Emotions: Episode 227 | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:31:45 | |
Resources & Links
Schedule a FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: Sign up for the Weekly Well Check: Follow us on social media:Ā @TheWholePhysician Love the podcast? We'd be so grateful if you left us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Screenshot your review and email it toĀ podcast@thewholephysician.com, and we'll send you our freeĀ Emotional Regulation eBookĀ as a thank-you. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a physician colleague who could use the reminder that they don't have to keep surviving medicine alone. Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. Ā | |||
| Clean vs Dirty Pain: Episode 226 | 09 juil. 2026 | 00:33:56 | |
Resources & Links
Schedule a FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: Sign up for the Weekly Well Check: Follow us on social media:Ā @TheWholePhysician Love the podcast? We'd be so grateful if you left us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Screenshot your review and email it toĀ podcast@thewholephysician.com, and we'll send you our freeĀ Emotional Regulation eBookĀ as a thank-you. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a physician colleague who could use the reminder that they don't have to keep surviving medicine alone. Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. | |||
| Resolving Cognitive Dissonance (Part 4): Episode 225 | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:29:07 | |
Why do so many physicians keep pushing through exhaustionāeven when they know it's unsustainable? In the final episode of our cognitive dissonance series, we're moving from theory to practical application. Once you recognize the internal conflict between your values, identity, and daily reality, what comes next? This week, we're exploring the common ways physicians cope with cognitive dissonanceāfrom overworking and emotional suppression to comparison and perfectionismāand why these strategies may provide short-term relief while fueling long-term burnout. You'll also learn healthier, evidence-based ways to create greater alignment between your work, your values, and your well-being without sacrificing your compassion or commitment to medicine. If you've ever thought:
...this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss:
Cognitive dissonance isn't proof that you're failingāit's often the first sign that something important needs your attention. Greater awareness creates the opportunity to choose a different path. Resources & LinksSchedule a FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: Sign up for the Weekly Well Check: Follow us on social media: @TheWholePhysician Love the podcast? We'd be so grateful if you left us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Screenshot your review and email it to podcast@thewholephysician.com, and we'll send you our free Emotional Regulation eBook as a thank-you. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a physician colleague who could use the reminder that they don't have to keep surviving medicine alone. Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. | |||
| Why Physicians Stay Stuck (Cognitive Dissonance Part 3): Episode 224 | 25 juin 2026 | 00:29:11 | |
This one might sting a little. We're just going to warn you now. In part three of our cognitive dissonance series, we're digging into why incredibly smart, capable people stay stuck in situations that are clearly harming them. Spoiler: it's not weakness. It's psychology. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. We cover:
This is not an episode telling you to quit medicine. It's an episode inviting you to get honest about whether the way you're living is actually sustainable. Leave us a review and screenshot it to podcast@thewholephysician.com ā we'll send you our free e-book on emotional regulation as a thank you! š§Ā podcast@thewholephysician.com Retreat:Ā https://medtreksinternational.com/trips/costaricaphysicianretreat/Ā | |||
| Identity Dissonance (Cognitive Dissonance Part 2): Episode 223 | 18 juin 2026 | 00:17:02 | |
You worked hard. You achieved the dream. You became the physician you set out to be. So why does something still feel off? Many physicians reach a point where they begin asking deeper questions: Who am I outside of medicine? Why doesn't success feel the way I thought it would? What happened to the version of me who felt excited, hopeful, and alive? In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra explore identity dissonanceāthe painful gap between who you thought you would become and how your life actually feels today. Together, they unpack why burnout often becomes more than exhaustion and can evolve into a profound identity crisis. This conversation offers compassion, insight, and practical reflection for physicians who feel disconnected from themselves beneath the weight of achievement, responsibility, and endless expectations. You'll discover why healing doesn't require becoming someone newāit begins with reconnecting to who you've been all along. In this episode, you'll learn: ā¢ How physician identity is formed through achievement, performance, and self-sacrifice If you've ever wondered whether there's more to you than your white coat, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Weekly Well Check: Podcast Fast Track: Connect with The Whole Physician: Remember: You are more than your productivity. More than your performance. More than your title. Your worth was never meant to depend on what you accomplishāand your humanity deserves just as much care as the patients you serve. | |||
| Cognitive Dissonance (Part 1): Episode 222 | 11 juin 2026 | 00:19:13 | |
What if the very stories helping you cope are also keeping you stuck? In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra explore cognitive dissonanceāthe mental tension that occurs when our actions, beliefs, values, or identity no longer align. They discuss why physicians may be especially vulnerable to rationalizing burnout and how greater awareness can create opportunities for meaningful change. This conversation isn't about judgment. It's about curiosity, self-compassion, and learning to recognize the stories your brain tells you so you can move toward a life and career that feel more aligned and sustainable. In this episode, you'll learn: āØ What cognitive dissonance is and why everyone experiences it āØ The three ways people resolve internal conflict āØ Why high-achieving physicians are especially susceptible to rationalizing burnout āØ How burnout can hide behind believable stories and explanations āØ Why curiosity is more effective than self-criticism āØ Practical questions to help you identify narratives that may be keeping you stuck Reflection Question: ā What story am I repeatedly telling myself right now? ā Is that story helping me move forwardāor helping me stay where I am? Quote of the Episode: "Sometimes the stories protecting us from discomfort are also the stories keeping us from growth." Resources Mentioned: š Cognitive Dissonance Theory ā Leon Festinger (1957) Connect With Us: š§ podcast@thewholephysician.com š± @thewholephysician š Weekly Well Check Newsletter: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with a colleague. Your support helps more physicians discover these conversations. | |||
| Collaborations in Medicine: Episode 221 | 04 juin 2026 | 00:23:35 | |
There's a dangerous myth in medicine: that the best physicians are the ones who can do everything themselves. But that model doesn't just create burnout ā it breaks people. In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dig into why the lone wolf physician approach is unsustainable, and how one simple mind shift can completely change the way you work, lead, and show up for your patients. Inspired by the book Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy, the core idea is this: stop asking "How do I do this?" and start asking "Who can help me do this better?" The "lone wolf" model breaks people. Ask "who," not "how." The eighty percent rule is your permission slip. B-minus charting is still excellent care. Fast feedback builds fast trust. Humility multiplies your effectiveness. You were never supposed to carry this alone. š Who Not How ā Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy šæ The Whole Physician Wellness Retreat with MedTreks International
Have a great team story or collaboration win? We'd love to hear it. Email us: podcast@thewholephysician.com If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with a colleague who needs to hear it. It helps other physicians find us! Until next time ā you are whole. You are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters. | |||
| Conscious Competence Learning Model: Episode 220 | 28 mai 2026 | 00:20:38 | |
What if the problem isnāt your disciplineā¦ but your stage of learning? After years of telling yourself ātomorrow will be different,ā it can feel defeating when you keep ending up in the same patternsābehind on charts, emotionally exhausted, or struggling to show up the way you want to at home. In this episode, we unpack the Conscious Competence Learning Model and why sustainable change doesnāt happen through shame, hustle, or trying harder. Whether youāre learning emotional regulation, boundary-setting, time management, or simply how to stop numbing out after difficult shifts, this conversation will help you understand why growth feels so hard before it feels natural. We explore the 4 stages of learning: Through relatable physician examples, emotional health insights, and practical mindset shifts, we discuss:
Because sustainable growth isnāt about becoming perfect overnightāitās about learning how to build a life that actually works for you. š Resources Mentioned š£ Connect With Us āļø Loved This Episode?
Remember: growth is not proof that you were failing before. Itās proof that youāre learning. š Ā | |||
| Women Physician & Guilt with Jennifer Reid, MD: Episode 219 | 21 mai 2026 | 00:28:22 | |
Guilt is one of the most common emotions women physicians experienceābut also one of the least examined. In this episode, psychiatrist, author, and podcast host Jennifer Reid joins us for a powerful conversation about the impossible expectations many women carry in medicine, motherhood, leadership, and everyday life. Together, we explore why guilt feels so constant for high-achieving women and how medicine can magnify perfectionism, hyper-responsibility, and burnout. Dr. Reid explains how guilt often disguises itself as productivity, compassion, or accountabilityāwhile quietly draining our confidence, energy, and emotional well-being. Youāll learn:
Dr. Reid also discusses how healthcare systems can unintentionally weaponize compassion and why women need spaces where they can support each other instead of silently struggling alone. Because freedom from guilt doesnāt mean you stop caringāit means you stop measuring your worth by impossible standards. š£ Connect With Dr. Reid š£ Connect With Us āļø Loved This Episode?
Ā Resources: | |||
| Cut Open with Dr. Danny Eiferman: Episode 218 | 14 mai 2026 | 00:38:38 | |
Episode 218 Guest: Daniel S. Eiferman, MD In this episode, we talk with Dr. Daniel Eiferman, trauma and acute care surgeon, tenured professor of surgery at The Ohio State University, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and author of Cut Open: A Surgeonās Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Growth. Dr. Eiferman brings honesty, wisdom, humor, and deep humanity to a conversation physicians desperately need: how to survive the emotional side of medicine. We discuss the parts of being a doctor that most of us were never actually trained for ā leadership, conflict, communication, feedback, psychological safety, and recovering after a bad outcome. Dr. Eiferman shares why technical competence is only part of the job, and why physicians need inner circles, honest feedback, and self-compassion in order to keep growing without spiraling into shame. This conversation is especially powerful for any physician who has ever thought: āIf I were better, this wouldnāt have happened.ā Dr. Eiferman helps us separate a bad outcome from a bad process, understand resilience versus post-traumatic growth, and learn how to move forward without pretending the pain isnāt real. What We CoverIn this episode, we discuss: The unwritten expectations in medicine The āhalo effectā in medicine The Three Aās: Able, Available, and Affable How to challenge the thought, āIf I were better, this wouldnāt have happenedā The importance of an inner circle Bad outcome versus bad process Learning to talk to yourself kindly after a complication Why feedback is necessary Vulnerability and trust in medicine What to do in the middle of a bad outcome Resilience versus post-traumatic growth āI donāt believe everything happens for a reason, but I will find some reason in it.ā The āyour lossā mindset Psychological safety on teams Project Aristotle and high-performing teams Why listening matters so much What not to say when someone is suffering What to do instead The ānice bookā Leadership blind spots in medicine Rapoportās Rules for difficult conversations āAbout 50 percent of what I need to be successful in my job, I actually wasnāt trained for.ā āBecause I have competency to take your colon out or take your gallbladder out, I must also be a great communicator, team leader, and conflict resolver. Those are different skill sets.ā āYou need people who trust you, who you trust, who are willing to hurt your feelings if necessary to make you better.ā āIf I have a bad outcome and my process was good, I can look at myself in the mirror and hold my head high.ā āThe pain is not going to go away. However, I believe you have the tools to get better and help the next person.ā āFeedback is necessary because we are awful judges of ourselves.ā āIf you drop your guard and show your vulnerability, most people will drop their guard too.ā āFinding comfort from somebody who does what you do makes the biggest difference.ā āResilience is getting back to the level I was at before the bad thing happened. Post-traumatic growth is asking, how do I get better from this?ā āI donāt believe everything happens for a reason, but I will find some reason in it.ā āHow can I help? shifts the obligation. Actively do something for them.ā āWhen I give you my time, the most precious thing I have, now you feel valued.ā Practical Takeaways for PhysiciansAfter a bad outcome, ask: Was my process good, or is there something I need to learn? Find people who can help you answer that question honestly. Do not let one difficult case become a global indictment of your intelligence, worth, or ability to practice medicine. Build an inner circle before you need one. When supporting a colleague, do something specific instead of asking them to assign you a task. Save reminders of the good you have done. Your brain will remember the harm more easily than the healing. If you want to build psychological safety, listen visibly and intentionally. In conflict, start by proving you understand the other person before trying to persuade them. Resources MentionedBook: Cut Open: A Surgeonās Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Growth by Daniel S. Eiferman, MD This episode is a powerful reminder that physicians are not machines. We are human beings doing high-stakes work, often without training in the emotional, relational, and leadership skills the job requires. Bad outcomes hurt. Feedback can hurt. Vulnerability can feel risky. But with the right people, the right frameworks, and the willingness to keep growing, physicians can recover, lead, and even experience post-traumatic growth. Until next time, you are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters. Resources: Dr. Eiferman's Website (can buy book there) | |||
| Tolerating Uncertainty: Episode 217 | 07 mai 2026 | 00:13:31 | |
Uncertainty is part of medicineābut for many physicians, it doesnāt stay at work. It follows you home in the form of second-guessing, rumination, and sleepless nights. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind intolerance of uncertainty and why your brain keeps replaying decisions long after your shift ends. Youāll learn how rumination disguises itself as responsibility, why it actually worsens anxiety and decision-making, and how your thoughts can quickly spiral from āmaybeā to āIām a bad doctor.ā Most importantly, weāll give you 3 practical tools to help you stop the mental replay loop:
Because confidence doesnāt come from eliminating uncertaintyāit comes from learning how to function well alongside it. š£ Connect With Usš Email: podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ If this resonated with you:
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| Self-Doubt: Episode 216 | 30 avr. 2026 | 00:15:23 | |
Self-doubt is something nearly every physician experiencesābut rarely talks about openly.
In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into the kind of self-doubt that doesnāt go away after trainingā¦ the kind that lingers even when youāre experienced, capable, and doing meaningful work. Why does it feel like confidence sometimes decreases as competence increases? More importantlyāhow can you change your relationship with self-doubt so it no longer drives burnout, anxiety, or second-guessing? This conversation explores the psychology behind self-doubt in high-performing physiciansāand offers practical, compassionate ways to navigate it without needing to eliminate it entirely. š What Youāll Learn
Join The Whole Physician team for their first wellness retreat in collaboration with MedTreks International! š Bodhi Tree Resort ā Nosara, Costa Rica š More details available here ā¤ļø Loved This Episode?
š© Reach out: podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ Self-doubt doesnāt mean youāre not cut out for medicine. The goal isnāt to silence that voiceā You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. š | |||
| Divorce with Karen Sethi, MD, FAAP: Episode 215 | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:21:04 | |
Ā Divorce is something many physicians experienceābut few talk about openly. In this deeply honest and compassionate conversation, weāre joined by Dr. Karen Sethi Walker, a pediatric intensivist turned vaccine developer and now certified divorce coach. Drawing from both her personal journey and professional expertise, she helps physicians navigate divorce with less conflict, more clarity, and a strong focus on protecting what matters mostāyour well-being and your children. Whether you're quietly considering divorce, in the middle of it, or rebuilding afterward, this episode is here to remind you: you are not alone. What We Cover in This Episode:
You are going to be okay.
If this episode resonated with you:
Follow us on social: @thewholephysician Until next timeā Ā | |||
| People Pleasing: Episode 214 | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:20:15 | |
Ā Have you ever said āyesā when your whole body was screaming ānoā? If soā¦ welcome. Youāre not aloneāand youāre definitely not broken. In this episode, weāre diving into the hidden costs of people pleasingāespecially in medicine, where being āthe reliable oneā often comes at the expense of your own wellbeing. What looks like kindness on the surface is often something deeper: a learned pattern of avoiding discomfort (yours and everyone elseās). We unpack why people pleasing is so common, how it gets wired into your nervous system, and why it doesnāt actually prevent conflictāit just relocates it inside of you. And most importantly? Weāll show you how to start changing it. In this episode, we cover:
Key Takeaways:
Try this challenge: Support the Podcast:
š© Email: podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ š§ New Here? Start Here: Final Thought: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. š | |||
| Emotional Intelligence, Pt 5 (Social Skills): Episode 213 | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:35:21 | |
In this episode of Drive Time Debrief, we wrap up our Emotional Intelligence series by diving into the fifth and final pillar: social skillsāthe moment where everything becomes visible. Because emotional intelligence isnāt just what you know internallyā¦ itās how you show up in real conversations. From patient interactions to team dynamics to high-stakes conflict, this episode explores what it really means to communicate with clarity, compassion, and skillāespecially when things get hard. We break down:
And most importantlyāwe give you practical, real-life scripts you can start using today. š§ What Youāll LearnāØ The 5 pillars of emotional intelligenceāand how they build on each other
Patients donāt come in calm, clear, and organized. And your ability to meet them thereāwhile still leading with clarity and confidenceā
If this episode resonated with you: And connect with us on social: @thewholephysician š¬ Final ThoughtYou donāt need to be perfect. Because at the end of the dayā | |||
| Emotional Intelligence, Pt 4 (Empathy): Episode 212 | 02 avr. 2026 | 00:27:08 | |
What if empathy isnāt about feeling everythingābut about understanding clearly and responding wisely? In todayās episode, we continue our Emotional Intelligence series by unpacking one of the most misunderstood skills in medicine (and life): empathy. Many of us were taught that caring means absorbing othersā painābut that belief can quietly lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and even disconnection from the work we love. In this conversation, we explore a more sustainable, evidence-based approach to empathyāone that allows you to stay present, compassionate, and grounded without becoming overwhelmed. Because empathy isnāt about drowning.
āEmpathy is not the same as drowning. You can feel deeply, understand clearly, stay grounded, and care well.ā Ā š¬ Connect With Us
https://www.thewholephysician.com/weekly-well-check ā Love the Show?If this episode helped you, make sure to:
It helps more physicians (and humans!) find the support they need š š«¶ Final ThoughtYou are not becoming cold. And that? Thatās emotional intelligence. | |||
| Burnout Isnāt What You Think with Dr. Annia Raja: Episode 211 | 26 mars 2026 | 00:32:27 | |
What if burnout isnāt just about working too muchā¦ but about losing touch with yourself? In this powerful conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Annia Raja shares whatās really happening beneath burnoutāespecially for high-achieving professionals and physicians. From emotional suppression to identity loss, we unpack why so many feel disconnectedāand how to begin finding your way back. š” In this episode, we cover:
āØ Key takeaway: š Learn more about Dr. Raja: https://www.anniarajaphdtherapy.com š If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help us reach more people who need this message. | |||
| Misinformation feat. Paging Dr. Fran: Episode 210 | 19 mars 2026 | 00:31:57 | |
What happens when TikTok starts influencing your exam room? In this episode of Drive Time Debrief, we sit down with Dr. Franāboard-certified OB/GYN, residency faculty, hospital medical director, and the voice behind Paging Dr. Franāto talk about what it really looks like to practice medicine in the age of social media. With over a million followers, Dr. Fran is on the frontlines of combating medical misinformation online. But what happens when that misinformation follows patients into the clinic? We dive into the growing tension between evidence-based medicine and algorithm-driven contentāand how physicians can respond with empathy, clarity, and confidence (even in a 10-minute visit). This conversation is real, relevant, and deeply validating for any physician who has ever thought:
āØ Patients arenāt the problemātheyāre trying to understand their health
Have you had to navigate misinformation with patients? š§ Email us: podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ If this episode resonated with you:
It helps more physicians find usāand reminds them theyāre not alone š¤ š Final ThoughtYou are whole. | |||
| Emotional Intelligence, Pt 3 (Motivation): Episode 209 | 12 mars 2026 | 00:32:28 | |
Drive Time Debrief ā Episode 209
Emotional Intelligence Series: Motivation, Burnout, and the Physician Motivation Trap
In this episode of Drive Time Debrief, we continue our emotional intelligence series by exploring motivationāand why many high-achieving physicians feel stuck, depleted, or disconnected even after achieving their professional goals. Motivation isnāt just about discipline or willpower. In medicine, physicians are often trained to rely on external motivators like grades, productivity, and achievement. Over time, however, these pressures can drain energy and contribute to burnout, demoralization, and nervous system shutdown. Using insights from emotional intelligence and polyvagal theory, we discuss how chronic stress can impact motivation and why a loss of motivation is often a signal that your nervous system needs supportānot criticism. We also share practical ways to begin rebuilding motivation by reconnecting with personal values, energy, and choice. In This Episode We Discussā¢ Why motivation is about energy, not discipline What currently gives you energy, and what is quietly draining it? Connect with UsEmail: podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ https://thewholephysician.com/weekly-well-check Subscribe, rate, and review to help other physicians discover the podcast. You are whole. Ā | |||
| Emotional Intelligence, Pt 2: Episode 208 | 05 mars 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
Ever caught yourself thinking, āI shouldnāt react like thatāā¦ and then reacting exactly like that anyway? Youāre not alone. In Part 2 of our emotional intelligence series, weāre diving into self-regulation ā the skill that helps you stay grounded when emotions run high and pressure is constant. For physicians trained to push through stress and ākeep it together,ā learning to regulate instead of suppress can be a game-changer. In this episode, we explore: Self-regulation isnāt about being calm all the time ā itās about choosing your response and recovering with intention. Your nervous system deserves the same care you give your patients. Take a breath. Reset. Youāve got this. Until next time: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. š Links & Resources: ā¢ Ari @ MedTreks International:Ā ari@medtreksinternational.com | |||
| Emotional Intelligence, Part 1: Episode 207 | 26 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:29:36 | |
šļø Emotional Intelligence Series, Part 1
Why High Performers Burn Out ā and the Skill That Prevents It
In medicine and high-performance environments, weāre trained to push through discomfort, ignore our needs, and stay composed under pressure. Over time, that conditioning can disconnect us from whatās happening inside. This episode introduces the foundation of emotional intelligence: š Self-awareness ā the ability to notice whatās happening inside you in real time. Because the truth is: You cannot regulate what you donāt notice. If youāve ever said āIām fineā but later snapped at someone you love, this conversation is for you. š§ In This Episode:ā What emotional intelligence (EQ) really is ā¢ Calm at work but irritable at home This isnāt a personality flaw ā itās unprocessed stress. š ļø Tools You Can Use Today ā Name It to Tame ItReplace vague words like stressed or fine with precise emotions like: Naming emotions reduces stress and improves regulation. ā The SEW TechniqueS ā Sensation (whatās happening in your body) Ask: Self-awareness helps you: ā prevent emotional spillover at home ā¢ Daniel Goleman ā Emotional Intelligence https://www.thewholephysician.com/weekly-well-check Subscribe & share to help more physicians find these conversations. š§ podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. Ā | |||
| Helper Identity: Episode 206 | 19 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:23:11 | |
š§ Drive Time Debrief Episode 206
When the Helper Identity Fuels Burnout
Weāre celebrating AND having a real conversation today. The Drive Time Debrief was honored with the 2026 Doctor Podcast Award for Best Physician Wellness & Burnout Podcast ā and weāre incredibly grateful to our listeners and community. But todayās episode tackles something many physicians silently carry: š the helper identity Most physicians enter medicine because they genuinely want to help. But when helping becomes automatic instead of intentional, it can lead to:
Being a helper isnāt the problem. Over-identifying as the helper is. š§ How the Helper Identity FormsMedical training rewards: ā reliability Over time, physicians may learn to:
This isnāt generosity. Itās conditioning. š§¬ The Hidden Cost of Over-FunctioningOver-functioning can: ā fuel burnout When helping becomes self-abandonment, your health and wellbeing pay the price. š From Obligation to Intentional HelpingYou donāt need to stop caring. You need to start choosing. Instead of: ā āI must help.ā
Before saying yes, ask: ā¢ Do I want to do this? Try: ā pausing before responding Discomfort is not danger. š¬ Reflection Questions
You can be a deeply caring physician Helping is powerful ā āØ Celebrating our 2026 Doctor Podcast Award ***Link to retreat: https://medtreksinternational.com/trips/costaricaphysicianretreat/ Subscribe, rate, and review ā it helps other physicians find support and sustainable wellness. You matter. | |||
| Regrets: Episode 205 | 12 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:20:25 | |
Ā Regret Isnāt the Enemy. Rumination Is. Regret is part of being human. In this episode, weāre diving into something physicians (and high-achievers in general) know all too well: replaying mistakes on loop. Whether itās:
Regret can quietly take up residence in your mind. But hereās the truth: We explore the difference between helpful reflection and harmful rumination ā and why replaying the past over and over actually increases stress, burnout, anxiety, and defensive medicine. Youāll learn: āØ Why regret exists (and why itās not a flaw) We also share personal stories from residency and clinical practice ā including how regret shaped us into better physicians without becoming something we carried forever. Remember: Regret is a signal. Once the lesson is learned, you get to move forward. And you are already a better physician because you care. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more physicians can find the show. š© Have a story or insight to share? Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.comĀ Until next time ā | |||
| Random Internet Advice, Part 3: Episode 204 | 05 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:13:27 | |
Drive Time Debrief ā Episode 204: Random Internet Advice (Part 3)
In this episode of The Drive Time Debrief, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra continue their three-part deep dive into ārandom internet adviceā they found while scrolling TikTok ā and how these bite-sized ideas actually play out in real life, relationships, and medicine. The conversation blends humor, psychology, and hard-earned wisdom as the trio explores what advice is worth keeping, what needs nuance, and what might actually help us show up better at work and at home. In this episode, youāll hear about:
This wraps up Part 3 of their TikTok-inspired advice series ā but donāt worry, more parts are likely coming. Stay connected with The Whole Physician
https://www.thewholephysician.com/weekly-well-check Thanks for listening ā you are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and your work matters. š Ā Credit: @jesss.kr jesskraww@gmail.com | |||
| MedTreks International: Episode 203 | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:29:52 | |
Travel Beyond the Hospital: How Adventure & Purpose Restore Burned-Out Medical Professionals | MedTreks International Interview with AriĀ Rasori In this episode, we sit down with Ari Rasori, NP, founder of MedTreks International, to explore how global adventure, wellness, and community can help healthcare professionals recover from burnout and reconnect with their purpose. Ari shares her journey from working in the emergency department to building a boutique travel and retreat company for physicians, NPs, PAs, and nursesācombining continuing medical education (CME), wilderness medicine, and restorative retreats across six continents. We talk about: If you love medicine but feel exhausted, disconnected, or in need of renewal, this conversation will help you remember who you are beyond the hospital wallsāand how to restore the part of you that first fell in love with healing. š§ Listen now and learn how to travel the world instead of just the hospital. Links & Resources: **Special going on for Feb: RESTORE26 is coupon code for $200 off | |||
| Random Internet Advice, Part 2: Episode 202 | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:17:32 | |
Drive Time Debrief ā Episode 202 In Part Two of our āRandom Internet Adviceā series, the DTD crew dives into more thought-provoking (and surprisingly wise) wisdom pulled from the endless scrollāthis time inspired by @JessKR on TikTok. We unpack powerful ideas like: āØ Why other peopleās opinions of you are truly none of your business Through stories from medicine, family life, relationships, and personal growth, we explore how to live from your values, honor your integrity, and stop letting conflict, criticism, or fear steal your emotional energy. From the wisdom of your 8-year-old and 80-year-old selves, to Terry Realās insight on the ālosing strategyā of being right, to the freedom that comes from setting loving boundariesāthis episode is packed with perspective-shifting takeaways. If youāve ever felt drained by trying to manage othersā opinions, stuck in endless worry loops, or tempted to sacrifice your peace just to make a pointā¦ this conversation is for you. Take a breath, protect your peace, and remember: where your attention goes, your energy flows. š§ Listen in, reflect, and let these ārandomā insights bring a little more clarity, calm, and courage into your week. Ā Credit: @jesss.kr jesskraww@gmail.com | |||
| Random Internet Advice, Part 1: Episode 201 | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:18:53 | |
Ever stumble across a piece of advice that makes you stop scrolling and think, āWhoaā¦ thatās actually really goodā? In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into powerful mindset shifts inspired by viral wisdomāand put them through aĀ coach's lens. From walking through fear and embracing discomfort, to remembering that other peopleās reactions say more about them than about you, this conversation is full of clarity, compassion, and courage. They explore why following your plan (not your mood) is a game-changer, how indecision is often a hidden choice, and why criticism almost always comes from the cheap seatsānot the arena. Youāll walk away feeling: If youāve been stuck, second-guessing yourself, or needing a gentle push to trust your inner wisdomāthis episode is for you. FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session:Ā www.thewholephysician.com You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters.Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-physician/ Credit: @jesss.kr jesskraww@gmail.com | |||
| Life-Giving Truths for a Sustainable, Joyful Medical Career: Episode 200! | 08 janv. 2026 | 00:22:47 | |
We canāt believe weāre saying thisā¦ Episode 200 of the Drive Time Debrief is here! What started as a few honest conversations has grown into a community of physicians who are re-imagining what it means to practice medicine without losing themselves in the process. Whether this is your very first episode or youāve been with us since the beginning ā welcome. Weāre so glad youāre here. š¤ To celebrate this milestone, weāre sharing some of the most important lessons we believe every physician should hear early ā and revisit often ā if they want true career longevity, emotional health, and fulfillment. āØ In this special episode, we talk about: š± Plus two bonus truths we wish weād learned sooner: Along the way, we explore ideas from voices like BrenĆ© Brown and Brianna Wiest, share personal stories, and remind you of something we never want you to forget: š Physician wellness isnāt about finding the perfect job or mastering stress. āØ New here? Start with our Podcast Fast Track! š¬ Letās stay connected: Thank you for being part of this community ā and for the work you do every day. āØ You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. āØ | |||
| If You Just Had One Month to Live: Episode 199 | 01 janv. 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
ā° If You Had One Day, One Week, One Month Left to Live...
Amanda, Laura, and Kendra tackle the most clarifying question as we start 2026: What would you do differently if you had limited time left? This isn't about panicāit's about calibration. Without intentionality, medicine will weave into every aspect of your life. This thought experiment reveals what actually matters. š” The Wake-Up CallWe don't know our time constraint. A friendātotally healthy, two little kidsāwent camping, got necrotizing fasciitis, dead within a week. Limited time reduces noise. What remains? Relationships, meaning, and small joys. š Two Critical Questions
Repair grudges, prioritize people you love, forgive (you can forgive AND keep boundariesāit's about YOUR peace). Micro action: Schedule a 20-minute call this week with someone you care about. 2ļøā£ MEANING & LEGACYPhoto books, personal history, courses, books, volunteering, Swedish Death Cleaning. Micro action: Block 30 minutes to outline one project you want to start. 3ļøā£ HEALTH & PRESENCEIf you had one month unless you started taking care of yourselfāwhat would change? Colonoscopy, PCP visit, walks, lifting weights. Micro action: Book one preventative appointment OR set alarm for 10-minute morning walk. 4ļøā£ CLEAN SLATE & PRACTICALITIESWill, trust, advanced directives, password location. Save your family from ugly fallout. Micro action: Identify the single most important document you lack and email your partner TODAY. 5ļøā£ SMALL JOYS & PLAY"Play is Vitamin P!" Learn ukulele, plan trips (always have one planned!), make a bucket list, try something novel. Micro action: Block 2 hours this month for one small pleasure. šŖ How to BeginThe ladder image: Start with easy, close-together rungs. Not giant leaps. Micro experiments (2-4 weeks):
Tools:
Close your eyes (when safe). Answer: What's the single thing I'd start doing if I only had one more month to live? Pick ONE micro action for THIS WEEK. Say it aloud. Write it down. š Your ChallengeWhat micro experiment will you try? Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.comāwe'll be your accountability! Stop putting off life and start living it. You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. ā° Connect: @thewholephysician | Newsletter + Fast Track in show notes āāāāā | |||
| 8 and 80 Year Old Version of You: Episode 198 | 25 dƩc. 2025 | 00:25:57 | |
šÆ Make Two People Proud: Your 8-Year-Old & 80-Year-Old Self
As we close 2025 and start 2026, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra tackle the most important question: Who are you really trying to make proud? The quote that changes everything: "Make two people proud. Your 8-year-old self and your 80-year-old self." ā David Perell This isn't about external validation. It's about living a life that honors your past curiosity and your future legacy. š§ The 8-Year-Old YouRemember that fearless kid who jumped on bikes, gathered the gang, and tried new things just because? That version was full of wonder, playful, and free from judgment. The question: What's on your schedule this week that would honor that 8-year-old? Ways to reconnect:
Future you cares about relationships, impact, legacy, and health. They don't care about 99% of what you worry about now. What they CARE about:
What they DON'T care about:
The biggest regret: Not retiring earlier. Time is your most valuable, non-renewable resource. šÆ The Decision FilterWhen making decisions, ask:
YES to both? High priority! For 8-year-old you:
For 80-year-old you:
"You often feel exhausted not because you've done too much, but you've done too little of what sparks a light in you." ā Alexander Heyne The balance: Most of us delay gratification indefinitely until we die. Find the sweet spot between living only for today and living only for tomorrow. Important: This isn't about regret. Have compassionāif you did it "wrong," it made sense at the time. That's life: getting stuff wrong and fixing it. šÆ Your ChallengeWhat's ONE tiny thing you'll do this week to honor both versions of yourself? Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com! Podcast Fast Track (10 high-yield episodes): www.thewholephysician.com/fast-track You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. š Connect: @thewholephysician | Leave a review! āāāāā Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician | |||
| Untangling Family Webs: The Bowen Theory: Episode 197 | 18 dƩc. 2025 | 00:28:18 | |
š§µ The Invisible Threads: Understanding Family Systems in Medicine
Why does your parent's phone call instantly transport you to your limbic system? Welcome to Bowen Family Systems Theoryāthe framework that explains why relationships feel so complicated and what you can do to change the patterns keeping you stuck. The Big Idea: "The more self you bring into a system, the more that system changes." ā Murray Bowen š The Big Four Concepts1. EMOTIONAL FUSION vs. DIFFERENTIATION Fusion = Your identity blurs with someone else's emotions
Differentiation = Stay connected AND stay yourself The greatest gift you can give people you love is the ability to calm yourself down. 2. TRIANGULATION When anxiety rises between two people, they pull in a third. Triangles soothe anxiety short-term but freeze growth long-term. How to step out: "That sounds like something to bring up with them directly." 3. MULTI-GENERATIONAL PATTERNS Patterns echo down generations: Grandfather's rage ā Father over-controlled ā Son explodes under pressure. The power move: Sketch your family's emotional patterns, then decide: "This ends with me." 4. ANXIETY (The Fuel for Everything) When ONE person stays calm, others can borrow that calm. That's emotional leadership. š„ In Healthcare SystemsFusion at work: Your worth fuses with patient satisfaction scores Triangulation: Venting to nurses about administrators instead of addressing directly Anxiety cascade: Administrators ā Physicians ā Residents (YOU can ground this!) Truth: One emotionally grounded clinician can shift the tone of an entire team. šÆ Your ChallengeNotice when someone else's storm tugs at your sails. Pause. Breathe. Ask:
Every time you answer with calm clarity, you elevate every system you touch. š ResourcesFREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: www.thewholephysician.com You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters.Ā Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician | |||
| Decide, Commit, Resolve: Episode 196 | 11 dƩc. 2025 | 00:21:19 | |
š„ Decide. Commit. Resolve. Become Unstoppable.
Fresh from Tony Robbins' Unleash the Power Within, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra break down the third step in the Science of Momentum. This isn't about motivation (you'll never feel ready). This is about decision, commitment, and resolve. š„ The Big Truth"The moment you decide is when your destiny changes." ā Tony Robbins You're NEVER gonna feel ready. Waiting to feel ready is what keeps you stuck. šÆ DECIDE (Cut Off the Chaos)Decision = Clarity The word "decide" comes from Latin meaning "to cut off." When you decide, you eliminate all other options. No more "what ifs." You close the door on everything else. The Data Trap: You can collect research forever, but at some point you have to decide and move forward. What happens: Mental relief, clarity replaces chaos, you stop being in limbo. ā” COMMIT (Build the Momentum)Commitment = Energy Shift Here's the mistake: We rely on motivation to keep going. Mel Robbins: "You're never gonna feel like it, so you have to decide you're going to do it anyway." Your primitive brain only wants pleasure, to avoid pain, and to be efficient. When you wait for motivation in the moment, that brain takes over. The Willpower Lie: Stop saying you don't have willpower. You're a physicianāyou've done harder things than most people on the planet. You don't steal fancy cars or randomly heavy pet attractive strangers. š You HAVE willpower. What happens: Your brain starts supporting your goal instead of sabotaging it. You parent your inner toddler: "I know you don't want to, but we're doing it anyway." š„ RESOLVE (Become Unstoppable)Resolve = Your "No Matter What" Mindset This is your unshakeable decision to follow through NO MATTER WHAT. The Key: Tie actions to your IDENTITY. Laura's Example: "I identify as a compassionate, present doctor. When I saved charting till the end, I couldn't remember patients from 2 hours ago. I tied charting contemporaneously with my identityānow I leave on time EVERY shift." Where Do You Need Resolve?
DECIDE ā Creates Clarity "What would change if I just decided ONE thing today?" Then commit. Then resolve. Then watch what happens. š Need Help?FREE Physician Wellness Triage Sessions available at www.thewholephysician.com Join our weekly newsletter for encouragement, masterclasses, and dealsālink in show notes! You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. š„ Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician | |||
| 12 Game-Changing Time Management Principles for Doctors: Episode 195 | 04 dƩc. 2025 | 00:24:41 | |
12 Game-Changing Time Management Principles for Doctors
Time is the ONE resource you can't make more ofāso let's make sure you're spending it on what actually matters! šÆ Last week we tackled the top 10 time wasters. This week? We're giving you 12 powerful principles to take back control of your schedule and create the life you actually want to live. ā° What You'll Learn:āØ The Eisenhower Matrix: How to tell the difference between urgent and important (game-changer!) āØ Why successful people schedule FUN FIRST (yes, really!) āØ The "powerful Ds" for handling email once and moving on āØ How to use Parkinson's Law to your advantage āØ Why single-tasking beats multitasking every single time āØ The Pomodoro method for focus sprints that actually work āØ How to design your environment for success (not willpower!) āØ Smart delegation scripts that multiply your impact š„ Key Principles Covered:
"If he had six hours to cut down a tree, Abraham Lincoln said he would spend four hours sharpening the saw." Rest isn't optionalāit's the fuel that makes everything else possible. š Important Reminder:This is A LOT of information, and we forbid you to use any of it to shame yourself! Your number one job is to have more compassion for yourself. Pick ONE principle that resonates and start there. These are tools to help you use your most valuable resource in alignment with what YOU actually want. š Resources:New Listener? Download our Podcast Fast Track at thewholephysician.com/fast-track Share Your Wins: Email us your time hacks at podcast@thewholephysician.com Connect With Us: Follow @TheWholePhysician on social media Help Us Grow: Leave a review and help other physicians find this podcast! Remember: You are WHOLE. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. Now go schedule that fun block! š ā¤ļø Amanda, Laura & Kendra P.S. What perfectionists do: over-schedule themselves and then rebel against their own schedule. The fix? Schedule fun and connection FIRST, then see how much time you actually have left. It's life-changing! Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician | |||
| Top 10 Time Wasters for Physicians: Episode 194 | 27 nov. 2025 | 00:16:44 | |
Top 10 Physician Time Wasters (& How to Get Your Life Back!)
Feeling like time is slipping through your fingers? You're not alone! In this game-changing episode, we're diving into the sneaky ways time leaks out of your dayāand more importantly, how to patch those leaks and reclaim HOURS of your life. Spoiler alert: Your charts don't need to be perfect, and you're allowed to say no to things. Revolutionary, right? š šÆ What You'll Discover:āØ Why US charts are 10x longer than European charts (and why that matters!) āØ The single question that will transform how you handle mistakes and rumination āØ Simple EMR hacks that will save you hours every week āØ The "hell yes or no" approach to commitments that will change your life āØ Why multitasking is actually making everything take LONGER āØ How to stop catastrophizing and redirect that energy to what actually matters š” The Bottom Line:Time doesn't disappear in big blocksāit leaks out in small moments of perfectionism, distraction, and overthinking. But here's the good news: small tweaks = BIG results. You don't have to overhaul your entire life this week. Just pick ONE thing that resonates and watch the magic happen! š Resources Mentioned:š New to the podcast? Download our Podcast Fast Track at thewholephysician.com/fast-track - we've curated the best episodes to get you quick wins! š§ Weekly Newsletter: Bits of encouragement + all our latest updates (including our 2026 retreat announcement!) š¬ Share Your Wins: Email us your favorite time-saving hack at podcast@thewholephysician.com Remember: You are WHOLE. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. Now let's get you some of your time back so you can actually enjoy it! ā¤ļø Amanda, Laura & Kendra P.S. If this episode helped you reclaim even 10 minutes of your day, we'd love it if you'd share it with a colleague who needs to hear this too! Ā https://www.facebook.com/thewholephysician https://www.instagram.com/thewholephysician https://youtube.com/@thewholephysician6505 https://www.tiktok.com/@thewholephysician | |||
| Sadness and Grief: Episode 193 | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:25:45 | |
š Understanding Sadness & Grief in Medicine
Episode Overview Part 2 of our emotional health series! Amanda, Laura, and Kendra continue the conversation about the harder feelings in medicineāthis time focusing on sadness and grief. This isn't just about patient deaths; it's about the mounting, often invisible losses that accumulate over a career and silently fuel burnout. šÆ Key Distinctions (Thanks, BrenĆ© Brown!)Sadness ā Depression
Sadness ā Grief
Positive Aspects of Sadness
Acute Grief: Tearfulness, insomnia, typically <1 year Anticipatory Grief: Grieving before the loss (terminal diagnoses) Complicated/Prolonged Grief: Intense, persistent, interferes with daily life Ambiguous Grief: Loss without closure (hello, pandemic deaths we never processed!) Disenfranchised Grief: Loss society doesn't acknowledge as legitimate
Emotional: Tearfulness, heaviness, numbness Cognitive: "I could have done more," difficulty concentrating, rumination Behavioral: Withdrawing from colleagues, reduced empathy, irritability Physical: Fatigue, insomnia, appetite changes, unexplained aches Clinical Spillover:
"Hidden in Plain Sight" Review (17 studies):
JAMA Meta-Analysis (21,000+ physicians):
R - RECOGNIZE: Name what you're experiencing
A - ALLOW: Accept it without judgment (just sit with it for 90 seconds!)
I - INVESTIGATE: Get curious, not critical
N - NURTURE: Self-compassion time!
Why it works: Self-compassion activates your parasympathetic nervous system, decreases cortisol, improves sleep and wellbeing š¤ The NURSE Framework (Helping Colleagues)N - NAME/Mirror the emotion: "It sounds like you're feeling angry. I hear you." U - UNDERSTAND: Seek to understand their feelings R - RESPECT S - SUPPORT E - EXPLORE: "Tell me more" OR "Can I offer you a coach/therapist?" š” What We Can DoFor Ourselves:
For Each Other:
Meaning-Making:
"Grief Healed: A Physician's Guide to Dealing With Grief and Thriving" by Dr. Shona Bhatnagar Written by a full-time practicing physician who lost her husband unexpectedly AND her son to chronic illness in 10 months. Real, raw, doctor-to-doctor wisdom. šÆ Your ChallengeNext time grief shows up, ask:
Remember: Isolation isn't the final answer. Community, compassion, and courage through connectionāthat's how we heal. Need to talk? We're here. Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com or book a free session at www.thewholephysician.com You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. š Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12174799 https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2023/0900/physician-grief https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2755851 | |||
| Processing the Heavy: Anguish, Hopelessness & Despair in Medicine: Episode 192 | 13 nov. 2025 | 00:24:50 | |
This one's heavy, but it's SO important. Recorded during National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into the emotions we're taught to push down in medicine: anguish, hopelessness, despair, sadness, and grief. No toxic positivity hereājust honest conversation about what it really means to be human while practicing medicine.
š The Reality We Face
The Compartmentalization Trap Medicine teaches us to "stay professional"āwhich often means push it down, don't cry, keep moving. But as BrenĆ© Brown reminds us: we can't selectively numb emotions. When we shut down grief and despair, we also lose access to joy, hope, and connection. Understanding the Emotions:
Real scenarios we all recognize:
Here's the truth: If you're feeling grouchy and don't know why, you might actually be depressed or carrying unprocessed sadness. Many of us don't manifest it the "textbook" way. š ļø Micro-Resets at Work (Because We Don't Have Time for 30-Minute Yoga)Quick grounding techniques:
Remember: The visual memories won't go away. Process them as you go instead of creating a decades-long pile-up. š” Processing After WorkWhen you have more time:
1. PERSONALIZATION (It's not all your fault) We're quick to self-blame. Reminder: You cannot take credit for good OR bad outcomes. There are factors outside your control. The universe/God has a planāthank goodness we're not in charge of everything. 2. PERMANENCE (This won't last forever) Ask yourself: Will this be a big deal in 5 minutes? 5 hours? 5 days? 5 months? 5 years? This pulls your thinking brain back online. 3. PERVASIVENESS (It hasn't touched everything) "I'll never be competent again" vs. your daughter texting about her goggles for practice. See? It hasn't touched your whole life. ā ļø Why This MattersUnprocessed anguish, despair, and grief show up as:
The good news? Even if you weren't taught emotional skills growing up, they can be learned. You can start TODAY. šÆ Your Action Steps
This is heavy work. If you need to debrief, the team is here. Book a free session at www.thewholephysician.com or email podcast@thewholephysician.com. You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. āØ Connect:
Please leave a review if this resonatedāit helps other physicians find these important conversations. š | |||
| Abundance: Episode 191 | 06 nov. 2025 | 00:30:37 | |
Tired of the "not enough" story? This week we're exploring abundance mindsetāNOT toxic positivity, but a practical shift that opens up creativity, generosity, and better decision-making. What You'll Learn:
5 Abundance Experiments to Try This Week:
Remember: Abundance always feels GOOD, never resentful. If you're feeling stuck, ask yourself: "What else is possible?" š Feeling overwhelmed by 200 episodes? Grab our Podcast Fast Trackāhandpicked high-yield episodes to jumpstart your burnout recovery: www.thewholephysician.com/fasttrack You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. āØ Resources:
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