DRIVE TIME DEBRIEF: A Physician Wellness Podcast with The Whole Physician

Travel Beyond the Hospital: How Adventure & Purpose Restore Burned-Out Medical Professionals | MedTreks International Interview with Ari 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 nurses—combining continuing medical education (CME), wilderness medicine, and restorative retreats across six continents. We talk about: • Why burnout is so common in high-achieving healthcare professionals • How changing environments can reset the nervous system • The power of traveling with people who truly “get” medicine • Why purpose-driven adventure can reignite your spark • What MedTreks International offers and how their curated retreats work • A special announcement: The Whole Physician Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica (Nov 7–14) • Early bird discount code: RESTORE26 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 walls—and how to restore the part of you that first fell in love with healing. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to travel the world instead of just the hospital. Links & Resources: • Ari @ MedTreks International: ari@medtreksinternational.com • The Whole Physician & MedTreks International Costa Rica Retreat: https://medtreksinternational.com/trips/costaricaphysicianretreat/ • Early Bird Code (February only): RESTORE26 **Special going on for Feb: RESTORE26 is coupon code for $200 off

Drive Time Debrief – Episode 202 Random Internet Advice, Part 2: Protect Your Peace & Stop Worshiping the Problem In Part Two of our “Random Internet Advice” series, the DTD crew dives into more thought-provoking (and surprisingly wise) wisdom pulled from the endless scroll—this time inspired by @JessKR on TikTok. We unpack powerful ideas like: ✨ Why other people’s opinions of you are truly none of your business ✨ How protecting your peace is often more important than proving a point ✨ What boundaries really mean (and why they actually help relationships last) ✨ Letting go of the need for universal approval ✨ Taking responsibility for your own happiness instead of outsourcing it ✨ And the mic-drop truth: Worrying is like worshiping the problem. 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 Real’s insight on the “losing strategy” of being right, to the freedom that comes from setting loving boundaries—this episode is packed with perspective-shifting takeaways. If you’ve ever felt drained by trying to manage others’ opinions, stuck in endless worry loops, or tempted to sacrifice your peace just to make a point… this conversation is for you. Take a breath, protect your peace, and remember: where your attention goes, your energy flows. 🎧 Listen in, reflect, and let these “random” insights bring a little more clarity, calm, and courage into your week.   Credit: @jesss.kr jesskraww@gmail.com

Ever stumble across a piece of advice that makes you stop scrolling and think, “Whoa… that’s actually really good”? In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into powerful mindset shifts inspired by viral wisdom—and put them through a coach's lens. From walking through fear and embracing discomfort, to remembering that other people’s 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 seats—not the arena. You’ll walk away feeling: 💡 More grounded in your own worth 💪 More willing to do the brave, uncomfortable thing 🧠 More equipped to stop over-thinking and start living ❤️ More connected to the truth that growth is the goal If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing yourself, or needing a gentle push to trust your inner wisdom—this episode is for you. FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: www.thewholephysician.comPodcast Fast Track (handpicked episodes): www.thewholephysician.com/fast-track You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters.  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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician Credit: @jesss.kr jesskraww@gmail.com

We can’t believe we’re saying this… 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 you’ve been with us since the beginning — welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. 🤍 To celebrate this milestone, we’re sharing some of the most important lessons we believe every physician should hear early — and revisit often — if they want true career longevity, emotional health, and fulfillment. ✨ In this special episode, we talk about: • Why burnout is often a boundaries problem, not a resilience problem • How to decide what you will not sacrifice — sleep, relationships, movement, joy • Why emotional processing is essential (and suppression is costly) • The power of deeply safe, connected relationships • How medicine will take everything you allow it to take — and why that matters • Learning to tolerate disappointing people (a core physician skill no one teaches) • Why coaching or therapy before crisis is a game-changer • How pivoting — in mindset or career — is wisdom, not failure • Letting go of the fantasy that happiness comes “later” • Learning to leave work at work mentally, not just physically 🌱 Plus two bonus truths we wish we’d learned sooner: • Build recovery into your week, not just your vacations • Stop outsourcing your internal compass — you already know what matters Along the way, we explore ideas from voices like Brené Brown and Brianna Wiest, share personal stories, and remind you of something we never want you to forget: 💛 Physician wellness isn’t about finding the perfect job or mastering stress. It’s about learning how to live inside the system without letting the system live inside you. ✨ New here? Start with our Podcast Fast Track! We’ve curated our top must-listen episodes so you can jump in without feeling overwhelmed. 👉 Visit thewholephysician.com/fast-track 💬 Let’s stay connected: • Leave a review — it helps other physicians find the show • Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com  if one of these truths resonated • Follow us on social @TheWholePhysician • Sign up for our Weekly Well Check for encouragement, tools, and updates Thank you for being part of this community — and for the work you do every day. Until next time, remember: ✨ You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. ✨

⏰ 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 panic—it's about calibration. Without intentionality, medicine will weave into every aspect of your life. This thought experiment reveals what actually matters. 💡 The Wake-Up Call We don't know our time constraint. A friend—totally healthy, two little kids—went camping, got necrotizing fasciitis, dead within a week. Limited time reduces noise. What remains? Relationships, meaning, and small joys. 🔍 Two Critical Questions What relationship would you invest in if you had one day/week/month left? What task would you STOP doing if it cost you the thing you love most? 📋 5 Categories + Micro Actions 1️⃣ RELATIONSHIPS & REPAIR Repair grudges, prioritize people you love, forgive (you can forgive AND keep boundaries—it's about YOUR peace). Micro action: Schedule a 20-minute call this week with someone you care about. 2️⃣ MEANING & LEGACY Photo books, personal history, courses, books, volunteering, Swedish Death Cleaning. Micro action: Block 30 minutes to outline one project you want to start. 3️⃣ HEALTH & PRESENCE If you had one month unless you started taking care of yourself—what would change? Colonoscopy, PCP visit, walks, lifting weights. Micro action: Book one preventative appointment OR set alarm for 10-minute morning walk. 4️⃣ CLEAN SLATE & PRACTICALITIES Will, 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. 5️⃣ 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. 🪜 How to Begin The ladder image: Start with easy, close-together rungs. Not giant leaps. Micro experiments (2-4 weeks): Pick ONE category Make it low-effort You're gathering scientific data Your dysfunctional choices are always available if you want to go back 😂 Tools: Gmail templates: "I'm full this quarter, let's revisit in 3 months" Time blocking weekly Accountability partner or daily journal 🎯 One-Minute Reflection 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. 💙 Your Challenge What micro experiment will you try? Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com—we'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. ⏰ Connect: @thewholephysician | Newsletter + Fast Track in show notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎯 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." — David Perell This isn't about external validation. It's about living a life that honors your past curiosity and your future legacy. 🧒 The 8-Year-Old You Remember 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: Watch something hilarious (laugh till you nearly wet your pants!) Try something new (even if you're clumsy!) Do one playful thing for no reason Catch your inner critic—would you talk to an 8-year-old that way? 👵 The 80-Year-Old You 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: Did you live bravely and do what you were called to do? Did you have deep presence with people you loved? Did you take care of yourself? Did you NOT hold yourself back? What they DON'T care about: What people thought of you Merit badges from others What you look like (they think current you is hot and killing it!) The biggest regret: Not retiring earlier. Time is your most valuable, non-renewable resource. 🎯 The Decision Filter When making decisions, ask: "Will this make my 8-year-old self smile?" "Will this let my 80-year-old self rest easier?" YES to both? High priority! YES to one? Goes on the list NO to both? Yeet it off! 💪 Actions You Can Take in 7 Days For 8-year-old you: Do one playful thing Try something new Tell someone you appreciate them For 80-year-old you: Protect ONE non-negotiable (dinner, sleep, time with loved ones) Start ONE habit future you will thank you for (5-min walk, automate savings, lift weights) Leave work on time ONE time—close those charts and GO HOME Forgive yourself for past regrets (only do better from here) 🔥 Remember "You often feel exhausted not because you've done too much, but you've done too little of what sparks a light in you." — 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 compassion—if you did it "wrong," it made sense at the time. That's life: getting stuff wrong and fixing it. 🎯 Your Challenge What'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. 💙 Connect: @thewholephysician | Leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐   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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

🧵 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 Theory—the 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." — Murray Bowen 🔍 The Big Four Concepts 1. EMOTIONAL FUSION vs. DIFFERENTIATION Fusion = Your identity blurs with someone else's emotions Your kid's meltdown ruins your whole day Your child fails a test and YOU feel like a failure You rush to fix their problems to relieve YOUR anxiety 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 → Father over-controlled → 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. 🏥 In Healthcare Systems Fusion at work: Your worth fuses with patient satisfaction scores Triangulation: Venting to nurses about administrators instead of addressing directly Anxiety cascade: Administrators → Physicians → Residents (YOU can ground this!) Truth: One emotionally grounded clinician can shift the tone of an entire team. 🎯 Your Challenge Notice when someone else's storm tugs at your sails. Pause. Breathe. Ask: "What exactly is mine to carry?" "What is not?" Every time you answer with calm clarity, you elevate every system you touch. 💙 Resources FREE Physician Wellness Triage Session: www.thewholephysician.com Podcast Fast Track (handpicked episodes): www.thewholephysician.com/fast-track You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters.    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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

🔥 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. 💥 The Big Truth "The moment you decide is when your destiny changes." — Tony Robbins You're NEVER gonna feel ready. Waiting to feel ready is what keeps you stuck. 🎯 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. ⚡ 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 physician—you've done harder things than most people on the planet. You don't steal fancy cars or randomly heavy pet attractive strangers. 😂 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." 🔥 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 identity—now I leave on time EVERY shift." Where Do You Need Resolve? Protecting your time from endless requests Speaking up authentically Creating sustainable health habits Making changes you KNOW need to happen 🎯 The Framework DECIDE → Creates Clarity COMMIT → Builds Momentum RESOLVE → Makes You Unstoppable 💡 Your Challenge "What would change if I just decided ONE thing today?" Then commit. Then resolve. Then watch what happens. 💙 Need Help? FREE Physician Wellness Triage Sessions available at www.thewholephysician.com Join our weekly newsletter for encouragement, masterclasses, and deals—link in show notes! You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. 🔥   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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

12 Game-Changing Time Management Principles for Doctors Time is the ONE resource you can't make more of—so let's make sure you're spending it on what actually matters! 🎯 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. ⏰ What You'll Learn: ✨ The Eisenhower Matrix: How to tell the difference between urgent and important (game-changer!) ✨ Why successful people schedule FUN FIRST (yes, really!) ✨ The "powerful Ds" for handling email once and moving on ✨ How to use Parkinson's Law to your advantage ✨ Why single-tasking beats multitasking every single time ✨ The Pomodoro method for focus sprints that actually work ✨ How to design your environment for success (not willpower!) ✨ Smart delegation scripts that multiply your impact 🔥 Key Principles Covered: Urgent vs. Important (Eisenhower Matrix) Don't Overcommit Time Blocking & Weekly Reviews Build in Buffers for the Unexpected Handle Things Once (Do, Delegate, Defer, Delete) Create Realistic Deadlines Set SMART Goals Develop Routines & Habit Stack Focus on One Thing at a Time Eliminate Distractions Outsource & Delegate Schedule Fun & Play FIRST 💡 Our Favorite Quote: "If he had six hours to cut down a tree, Abraham Lincoln said he would spend four hours sharpening the saw." Rest isn't optional—it's the fuel that makes everything else possible. 🎁 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. 📌 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! 🎉 ❤️ 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!   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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

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 day—and 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? 😉 🎯 What You'll Discover: ✨ Why US charts are 10x longer than European charts (and why that matters!) ✨ The single question that will transform how you handle mistakes and rumination ✨ Simple EMR hacks that will save you hours every week ✨ The "hell yes or no" approach to commitments that will change your life ✨ Why multitasking is actually making everything take LONGER ✨ How to stop catastrophizing and redirect that energy to what actually matters 💡 The Bottom Line: Time doesn't disappear in big blocks—it 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! 🎁 Resources Mentioned: 📌 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! 📧 Weekly Newsletter: Bits of encouragement + all our latest updates (including our 2026 retreat announcement!) 💬 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! ❤️ 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! Weekly Well Check Podcast Fast Track   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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

💙 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 medicine—this 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. 🎯 Key Distinctions (Thanks, Brené Brown!) Sadness ≠ Depression Sadness is transient; depression is a cluster of symptoms over time Depression can exist WITHOUT sadness (it's often just fog, fatigue, disconnection) Sadness ≠ Grief Sadness is ONE part of grief, but grief includes many emotions and experiences Grief is not linear—it waxes and wanes, hits you when you least expect it Positive Aspects of Sadness Less judgmental errors, more empathy, greater generosity Naming sadness is CRITICAL for compassion formation Sad movies reconnect us with our humanity (and remind us emotions are temporary!) 💔 The 3 Elements of Grief LOSS - Death, separation, identity, function, or things hard to describe LONGING - Involuntary yearning for wholeness, understanding, meaning FEELING LOST - Disorienting; requires reorienting your entire world 📋 Types of Grief in Medicine 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 "Doctors, what do YOU have to be sad about? You've got it so good!" Loss of autonomy, agency, the practice you thought you'd have THIS is the sneaky one that intensifies burnout 🚨 How Grief Shows Up (And You Might Not Even Know It) 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: Overcompensating or avoiding complex cases Declining call you used to handle fine Emotional blunting during difficult conversations Snapping at loved ones at home 📚 The Research That'll Make You Say "FINALLY!" "Hidden in Plain Sight" Review (17 studies): We're exposed to repeated death & bad outcomes with ZERO formal training Healthcare workers feel unprepared because we have no bereavement training Colleagues provide the MOST meaningful support (takes one to know one!) What would help: paid time off after difficult cases, designated space to grieve, debriefing JAMA Meta-Analysis (21,000+ physicians): Depressive symptoms nearly DOUBLED the risk of medical errors Mounting grief → emotional exhaustion → burnout → errors We're setting ourselves up for disaster by not addressing this! 🌧️ The RAIN Method for Processing Emotions R - RECOGNIZE: Name what you're experiencing "I feel sad because this isn't what I wanted" A - ALLOW: Accept it without judgment (just sit with it for 90 seconds!) "I can sit with this sadness. I'm not gonna fix, avoid, or dismiss it" I - INVESTIGATE: Get curious, not critical "I wonder why this sadness is coming up? What am I believing?" N - NURTURE: Self-compassion time! What would you say to a colleague feeling this way? Say THAT to yourself "It's okay to be sad. It's not your fault. You're not alone." Why it works: Self-compassion activates your parasympathetic nervous system, decreases cortisol, improves sleep and wellbeing 🤝 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?" 💡 What We Can Do For Ourselves: Practice RAIN regularly Journal after you understand it wasn't your fault Go for walks (use your body to regulate big emotions) Cry (it's an incredible release!) Reach out for counseling (it's brave, not weak) For Each Other: Sit across the table: "Yeah, this is tough. I'm in this with you." Group debriefs after difficult cases Connection, connection, connection! Meaning-Making: Group coaching, rituals of closure, processing with those who GET IT 📖 Must-Read Resource "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. 🎯 Your Challenge Next time grief shows up, ask: "What is this feeling telling me?" "How can I connect with this experience and accept it?" "How can I reach out from here?" Remember: Isolation isn't the final answer. Community, compassion, and courage through connection—that'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. 💙 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 Weekly Well Check Podcast Fast Track

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 here—just honest conversation about what it really means to be human while practicing medicine. 💔 The Reality We Face The Compartmentalization Trap Medicine teaches us to "stay professional"—which often means push it down, don't cry, keep moving. But as Brené 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: Anguish: Almost unbearable pain that takes you to your knees—you feel it in your bones Hopelessness: One of the strongest feelings related to suicidality—when you can't see a way out Despair: The belief that suffering will never end ("tomorrow will be just like today") Sadness & Grief: The whale of a mother, the empty chair at morning rounds, the bad news no one saw coming 🏥 How This Shows Up at Work Real scenarios we all recognize: Standing at the bedside knowing it won't be a good outcome Running out of drips, out of options, feeling powerless The 16-year-old trauma patient—just information until the parents arrive The "routine checkup" that becomes devastating news Tearing up in your car on the drive home Snapping at your kids or shutting down with your partner 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. 🛠️ Micro-Resets at Work (Because We Don't Have Time for 30-Minute Yoga) Quick grounding techniques: Doorknob ritual: Feel the handle as you enter each room, set an intention Deep breaths: Gets you out of fight-or-flight back into calm Notice & name: "This is grief, and I'm glad I can feel it because it means I loved" Noticing + naming = 50% reduction in emotional intensity Remember: The visual memories won't go away. Process them as you go instead of creating a decades-long pile-up. 🏡 Processing After Work When you have more time: Talk it out with someone who gets it (friend, colleague, coach) Journal about what you're feeling—especially after giving yourself compassion Move your body (walks are magic for big emotions) CRY (it's an incredible release!) Self-compassion practice: "This is hard. Anyone in my shoes would feel this way." Rituals of closure: Write their initials, light a candle, honor them EMDR therapy: Especially if you have a visual memory 💡 The Antidote: Hope (Martin Seligman's 3 P's) 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 plan—thank 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. ⚠️ Why This Matters Unprocessed anguish, despair, and grief show up as: Cynicism in daily practice Accumulating burnout Loss of meaning and connection Self-criticism spirals The good news? Even if you weren't taught emotional skills growing up, they can be learned. You can start TODAY. 🎯 Your Action Steps Notice what's happening in your body (tight chest? nausea? heaviness?) Name the feeling (use feelingswheel.com if needed) Don't judge the emotion—just observe it Practice self-compassion (Would you talk to your child this way?) Create a ritual of closure for difficult cases 💙 You're Not Alone 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. ✨ Connect: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn: @thewholephysician www.thewholephysician.com Please leave a review if this resonated—it helps other physicians find these important conversations. 🙏

Tired of the "not enough" story? This week we're exploring abundance mindset—NOT toxic positivity, but a practical shift that opens up creativity, generosity, and better decision-making. What You'll Learn: Why abundance isn't about denying real problems (looking at you, 80-patient schedules!) How scarcity narrows your thinking while abundance broadens it The science behind Barbara Fredrickson's "broaden and build" framework Why that "stuck" feeling is a leading cause of burnout 5 Abundance Experiments to Try This Week: Micro gratitude - Name 3 small wins daily Micro generosity - Give one unexpected compliment or generous tip Curiosity boost - Try 20 minutes of low-stakes exploration Reframe constraints - Turn "I don't have time" into "What can I delegate?" Build buffers - Create 10-minute margins in your schedule Remember: Abundance always feels GOOD, never resentful. If you're feeling stuck, ask yourself: "What else is possible?" 🎁 Feeling overwhelmed by 200 episodes? Grab our Podcast Fast Track—handpicked 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. ✨ Resources: Stephen R. Covey — concept of “Abundance Mentality” (The 7 Habits). Sources of Insight Fredrickson, B. — Broaden-and-Build theory of positive emotions (mechanism for how positive states widen options). PMC Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003) — gratitude intervention research (effects on wellbeing). emmons.faculty.ucdavis.edu Practical summaries and evidence-based steps for shifting from scarcity to abundance (Psychological Science / practitioner resources). Association for Psychological Science+1

🚨 Ever Notice How One Thing Going Wrong Makes EVERYTHING Worse? Late text + tight bank account + short night of sleep = The world is ending That's scarcity taking over your brain. 🔍 What IS a Scarcity Mindset? Definition: A pattern of thinking where you feel you have less of a resource than you need, and that perception dominates your attention, emotion, and choice. The plot twist: It's not just about money. You can have scarcity around: Time (the big one for physicians) Sleep Love Status Attention Energy Connection Literally anything you value   📊 The Results of Living in Scarcity Cognitive Costs Reduced working memory Poor planning More mistakes on complex tasks Present-biased choices You're operating from your limbic system, not prefrontal cortex Emotional/Relational Costs Chronic anxiety, irritability Less empathy (research confirms this) More controlling behavior Eroded trust and connection Behavioral/Life Consequences Shortsighted financial/health choices Missing opportunities Self-perpetuating loops (solving short-term worsens long-term) 🛠️ 3 Practical Moves to Loosen Scarcity's Grip 1. Name It Out Loud Notice the body sensation first (anxiety, chest tightness) "Right now I'm feeling short on time/sleep/money/support." Why it works: Verbalizing shifts you from limbic to prefrontal cortex. Naming reduces rumination and opens space for choice. 2. Buy Small Bits of "Slack" Create micro buffers: 10-minute pause between meetings $20 emergency cash in phone case $100 in glove box Non-negotiable 15-minute nightly wind down Why it works: Protects bandwidth so you're not constantly in panic/triage mode 3. Externalize Memory & Roles Write it down (notebook by bedside) Use checklists Simple rituals One-line plan tools Why it works: Prevents errors, reroutes energy to higher-value thinking Pro tip: Join the "We Do Not Care Club" (Melanie on Instagram) and start scratching stuff off your list 🎯 Your Challenge This Week Pick ONE scarcity you notice (time, money, attention, connection) Name ONE tiny buffer you can put in place 📍 Coming Next Episode Abundance mindset—evidence-based practices (not fake optimism) that actually widen your bandwidth 💡 The Bottom Line Scarcity is a fear-based mindset living in your limbic system. It's predictable. It's fixable. And it's happening in small, human ways. You don't have to stay on that cruise eating canned soup. What are you decluttering? What don't you care about anymore? Email: podcast@thewholephysician.com Stop living like you don't have enough. Next episode: How to live like you do. Our new Podcast Fast Track Book a Session  or Physician Wellness Triage (same link) Sign up for the Weekly Well Check Mullainathan, S. & Shafir, E. Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much (overview of tunneling and bandwidth). FDIC+1 “The psychology of scarcity” — American Psychological Association summary (tunneling, attention). American Psychological Association Mani, A., Mullainathan, S., Shafir, E., & Zhao, J. — studies on scarcity reducing cognitive performance. Harvard Scholar+1 Cleveland Clinic overview: what a scarcity mindset looks like and practical tips. Cleveland Clinic PositivePsychology / practical resources on shifting scarcity thinking. PositivePsychology.com

 💪 Last Episode: The Problem. This Episode: The Solution. You learned about dorsal vagal shutdown—that numbness and disconnection physicians feel. Now here's the hope: There are ways to climb back up the ladder. 🚨 The Critical Truth Sometimes you're so far outside your zone of resilience, you can't outthink it. You have to do something with your body. 🛠️ Your Toolkit for Climbing Up 1. Medical Interventions SSRIs/SNRIs can help stabilize mood and increase arousal when you're too depleted to self-regulate. No shame. We work in extreme stress. Therapy and medication are tools, not failures. 2. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Simple ways to enhance vagal tone: Deep breathing (focus on the EXHALE) Humming or singing (yes, car karaoke counts!) Gargling Cold water on face These aren't woo-woo—they're biological recalibrations. 3. Therapy (Especially Somatic/Polyvagal-Informed) Somatic therapy uses your body during sessions to release stored stress through body awareness and gentle movement. Real talk: "I go to therapy. I love my therapist. It makes my life so much better. We need to normalize this." Why it matters: We're treated like we should be superhuman, taking on trauma with no sleep or self-care. That's a recipe for hitting the wall. 4. Yoga & Gentle Movement Why yoga works: Gets you back into your body where you can reconnect. It's calming in a ventral vagal way (not dorsal shutdown). Too exhausted to exercise? Try ONE yoga pose for 30 seconds. Just break the frozen state. Different breathing techniques: Some are activating Some are relaxing Work with experienced practitioners 5. Biofeedback & Heart Rate Variability Training HeartMath device: Like a pulse ox that shows your heart rate variability as you do exercises Neurofeedback: EEG probes detect when you're revved up—TV goes black until you calm yourself down Perfect for control enthusiasts: Learn to control your own physiologic responses 6. Essential Lifestyle Supports Healthy food SLEEP (we discount this too much—it's crucial) Exercise Meditation (even 1-2 minutes creates massive positive change) 7. Co-Regulation Ever been around someone you just feel safe with? That person who makes you laugh and calm down instantly? That's co-regulation. Seek those people out. Also works: Physical touch, hugs, snuggles Pet snuggles (even 175-pound lap dogs!) Call a safe friend 8. Music & Laughter Singing increases ventral vagus tone (car singers, rejoice!) Create your comedy arsenal: Meme files List of funny movies Favorite Instagram topics Pet videos with voiceovers Healthcare worker parody accounts Daily Dose of Internet Kids saying sassy things Reminder: Life is worth living. You won't be stuck in dorsal vagal forever. 🎯 Quick Action Steps to Start TODAY Name It, Drop the Shame "This is my dorsal reset. My biological recalibration. Not me failing." Low & Slow Breathing Focus on the EXHALE—that's when parasympathetics turn on Gentle Movement Try the 5-minute body scan: Lie down, close eyes Start at scalp, work to toes Relax each body part on exhale (You might fall asleep—that's okay!) Connection Text someone you care about. Check in on someone who needed help. Micro Moment of Purpose Gets you out of rumination and back into meaning Interrupt the Narrative Speak to yourself with compassion (the strongest antidote to burnout) Release the Tension Neurogenic tremor Dancing, stomping Jump up and down Shake it out Each micro step signals safety to your nervous system. 💡 The Ultimate Reframe "This is an era, not who I am." Sometimes it feels like "maybe this is just who I am now." NO. Your true self is still in there waiting. This is a physiologic reaction to things that have been happening to you. Your ventral vagal state—your executive brain—wants to get back online. It wants to reconnect with your empathy, humor, and creativity. Burnout tricks you into thinking that version of you is gone. That's a lie. 🔥 The Science Behind Hope Your nervous system is doing its best. It's meant for survival. With small signals of safety—grounding, breathing, humming—you can return to connection, vitality, and purpose. Your nervous system is here for you. We're here for you. 🎁 Resources Dr. Kristin Neff's Center for Mindful Self-Compassion - Research-backed approach to self-compassion Podcast Fast Track - Nearly 200 episodes can be overwhelming. We've handpicked the most high-yield episodes to jumpstart your journey. Get it: www.thewholephysician.com/fasttrack That feeling of burnout numbness isn't your fault. It's not who you are. And it isn't permanent. Share your recalibration tricks: podcast@thewholephysician.com You can find yourself again. Let's climb together. Our new Podcast Fast Track Book a Session  or Physician Wellness Triage (same link) Sign up for the Weekly Well Check

 🚨 Does This Sound Like You? "I feel totally numb. I don't care anymore, and I hate that I don't care." "Even when I sleep, I wake up tired." "I used to be so empathetic. Now I just want everyone to leave me alone." What you're experiencing isn't just burnout—it's dorsal vagal shutdown. 🪜 The Polyvagal Ladder: Your 3 Nervous System States 1. Ventral Vagal (Safe Zone) ✨ Calm, connected, creative, social - where we want to be 2. Sympathetic (Fight or Flight) ⚡ Heart racing, hyperalert, frantic productivity mode 3. Dorsal Vagal (Shutdown/Freeze) 🥶 Emotional flatness, complete disconnection, life behind glass Your body playing dead like a possum 🔥 The Burnout Cycle Sympathetic overdrive (constant productivity) → Dorsal collapse (complete numbness) You're cycling between: Fixing everything frantically → Can't even get out of your car at home 🧬 The Science The Vagus Nerve has two branches: Ventral (newer): Social connection and safety Dorsal (older): Shutdown when overwhelmed Dorsal shutdown creates: Slow heart rate, reduced oxygen Flattened affect Inability to think critically Moving through life underwater 💡 The Revolutionary Reframe This isn't weakness. This is evolution. Your nervous system developed this over millennia. When fight/flight fails, your body chooses shutdown to conserve energy and protect you. 🏥 Why Doctors Are Vulnerable We live in near-constant sympathetic overdrive: Override hunger, fatigue, basic needs Constantly fixing, moving, answering calls Always "on" for everyone Eventually, the system flips to shutdown. 🎯 What Shutdown Looks Like: Staring blankly at charts, unable to type Driving home in complete silence Can't connect with your kids even though you want to Loss of empathy for patients (and hating it) Collapsing on couch, holding remote, not moving ✨ The Game-Changer Just having words for this changes everything. "I'm experiencing dorsal vagal shutdown." "I'm in my dorsal vagal era." "This is a nervous system state—not who I am." Naming it is a technique for getting out of it. 🎭 Your Dorsal Vagal Era Taylor Swift has fascinating eras. You have your dorsal vagal era. Nearly every burned-out physician experiences this. The empowering news: This isn't permanent. Nervous system states change. You can climb back up the ladder. 🔬 For the Scientists When your partner says you're "being emotional": "Actually, I'm experiencing dorsal vagal shutdown due to prolonged sympathetic overdrive." Boom. Science. 📍 Coming Next Episode How to climb out of shutdown with medical tools, therapy approaches, and daily practices. 💪 The First Step: Awareness You're not broken. Your nervous system is doing exactly what it evolved to do. Share your stories: podcast@thewholephysician.com Your nervous system can heal. Let's climb together. Our new Podcast Fast Track Book a Session  or Physician Wellness Triage (same link) Sign up for the Weekly Well Check

About This Episode Ever find yourself replaying the same moment from a shift over and over in your head? Lying awake at night running through every step of a procedure? Welcome to rumination—and you're definitely not alone. In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive deep into the mental trap that keeps so many physicians stuck: ruminative thinking. They break down why our brains do this, the different types of rumination, and most importantly—how to break free from the cycle. What You'll Learn Understanding Rumination: Why your brain gets stuck on repeat (spoiler: you're not broken!) The false narrative that thinking harder will somehow fix the past How rumination actually helps us avoid processing difficult emotions The Four Types of Rumination: Brooding - The self-critical spiral without resolution Reflective - Internal analysis that can be useful in moderation Intrusive - Unwanted flashbacks that pop up at random times Deliberate - Intentional analysis of external situations Why Physicians Struggle: The uncertainty built into medicine + perfectionism = rumination overload How moral responsibility makes it hard to let go The connection between rumination and physician burnout Breaking the Cycle: Type-specific interventions for each rumination style The power of "uncertainty exposure" (it's uncomfortable but it works!) Time-boxing, mindfulness anchoring, and externalization techniques The rumination-breakers that actually work Key Takeaways ✨ You are more than your rumination - This isn't who you are, it's just what your brain is doing ✨ Pain × Resistance = Suffering - Allowing uncertainty to exist reduces your suffering ✨ Get out of your limbic system - Mindfulness helps you return to your prefrontal cortex ✨ Write it down - Externalizing your thoughts gives your brain permission to rest Practical Strategies Discussed Self-compassion reframing for brooders Time-boxing technique for reflective ruminators Mindfulness anchoring for intrusive thoughts Journaling and externalization for deliberate analysis Physical activity to refocus the mind When to consider therapy or medication Resources Mentioned Rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy Mindfulness-based interventions Previous DTD episodes on thought errors Email: podcast@thewholephysician.com Final Thoughts The past is unchangeable—no amount of "what ifs" will rewrite it. The only thing that's real is this present moment. And in this moment, you are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who might need to hear it. Have thoughts or questions? Reach out at podcast@thewholephysician.com #PhysicianWellness #MentalHealth #Rumination #BurnoutPrevention #MindfulnessForDoctors

🌟 Episode 186 – From Comparison to Connection Welcome back to the Drive Time Debrief! Today, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra are diving into a universal struggle: comparison. Whether it’s at work, on social media, or even within our own families, comparison sneaks in and steals joy, fueling anxiety, burnout, and disconnection. But there’s good news: with awareness, we can flip the script. ✨ In this episode, we unpack: 🔎 The anatomy of comparison — why it’s our default, and how it masquerades as connection. 📚 Insights from Dr. Brené Brown (Atlas of the Heart, The Gifts of Imperfection) and Dr. Caroline Leaf on how comparison impacts our brains and wellbeing. 💡 The shift from comparison → admiration → reverence — and how each step brings more freedom, creativity, and peace. 🏥 Real-life examples inside and outside medicine: patient outcomes, social media highlight reels, even parenting moments. 🌊 “Stay in your lane” wisdom — how focusing on your path fosters growth without the mental scoreboard. 🙌 Practical strategies to move forward: Name comparison when it shows up. Flip it into admiration (what can I learn?). Cultivate awe and reverence through gratitude, nature, and everyday miracles. 🌟 This week’s challenge: Catch yourself in a comparison moment, pause, and choose admiration instead. Bonus points if you share your admiration out loud with someone else — you’ll be amazed at how it transforms connection. 💬 Remember: comparison fuels anxiety, but admiration and reverence foster connection, peace, and joy. You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do truly matters. 💖 ✨ Tag us with your “From Comparison to Connection” moments on socials or drop us a message at podcast@thewholephysician.com  — we’d love to hear how you’re practicing this shift!

Bringing the Soul Back to Medicine with Dr. Mark Sullivan Medicine isn’t just lab results and checkboxes—it’s about humans caring for humans. 💙 In this episode, Dr. Mark Sullivan, a physician with a heart for whole-person care, reminds us what truly matters: listening, presence, and compassion. We talk about: 🌟 Why “to be heard is to be healed” may be the most powerful prescription 🌟 The Four Pillars he uses with every patient (sleep, nutrition, movement, boundaries) 🌟 How to protect your time and your soul in a rushed system 🌟 Burnout vs. moral injury—and why your calling still matters 🌟 Three simple “assignments” every doctor (and human!) can use to reset This conversation is hopeful, practical, and inspiring. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your spark alive in medicine—or life—you’re going to love this one. ✨ Tune in, get encouraged, and remember: you are whole, you are a gift, and the work you do matters.   Resources: https://www.physiciansweekly.com/author/mark-sullivan-md nvafamilypractice.com Our new Podcast Fast Track Book a Session or Physician Wellness Triage (same link) Sign up for the Weekly Well Check       Our Social Media Accounts!! :)  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/ https://x.com/WholePhysician

Ever notice how one little mess—a pile of mail, a sink full of dishes, or shoes scattered everywhere—can snowball into stress, frustration, and overwhelm? In this episode, Dr. Amanda Dinsmore, Dr. Laura Cazier, and Dr. Kendra Morrison dive into the Broken Windows Theory and how tiny signs of neglect (at home or at work) can quietly erode your sense of peace and control. But here’s the good news: just as small signs of disorder add up, so do small acts of repair. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ The surprising psychology behind the Broken Windows principle and why it matters for your wellbeing. ✨ Everyday “broken windows” that sneak into home life—dishes, mail piles, laundry, cluttered counters—and how they impact mood and stress. ✨ Work “broken windows” like backlog charting, inbox overload, messy workstations, and how they drain focus. ✨ Tiny but powerful interventions (make the bed, sort one stack of mail, answer one inbox message) that restore order and calm. ✨ How to use habit stacking and micro-routines to turn chaos into clarity. ✨ Mindset windows: reframing critical thoughts, reducing perfectionism, and keeping your prefrontal cortex online. Why This Episode Will Lift You Up: ✔️ You’ll feel validated (yes, those dishes really do make a difference!). ✔️ You’ll gain practical, doable hacks you can try TODAY. ✔️ You’ll discover how micro-decisions build momentum, reduce stress, and create a sense of accomplishment. ✔️ You’ll be reminded that you are not alone—everyone has “broken windows,” and attending to them is a gift to yourself. ✨ Listener Challenge: Do one small “window repair” today. Make the bed, clear a counter, or sort the mail—then notice how your energy shifts. 💬 We’d love to hear YOUR strategies for spotting and fixing broken windows before they spiral! Share them with us at podcast@thewholephysician.com . And remember: 👉 A stitch in time saves nine. 👉 You are whole. 👉 You are a gift to medicine. 👉 The work you do matters.   Resources:  Fly Lady Sidetracked Home Executives Tiny Habits Atomic Habits