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

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

🚨 The Shocking Truth About Your "Badge of Honor" Society glamorizes perfectionism, but psychology reveals a darker reality: Most physicians enter medical school as healthy high achievers but graduate as maladaptive perfectionists. The shift happens around year 2 of med school - from being driven by potential to being driven by fear of criticism. 🔍 Healthy High Achiever vs. Maladaptive Perfectionist Healthy High Achiever: Sets ambitious but realistic goals Celebrates progress along the way Sees failure as feedback and growth Accepts negative emotions as normal Derives satisfaction from effort and persistence Maladaptive Perfectionist: Sets impossibly high, rigid standards Dismisses accomplishments immediately ("anyone could have done that") Avoids risks or sees mistakes as personal failure Believes happiness should be constant (anxiety when it's not) Links self-worth to performance - "I'm only as good as my last shift" ⚫ The All-or-Nothing Trap The most dangerous habit: Everything is perfect or disaster. One complication = entire day failed. One missed note = fraud. Reality check: Medicine is full of nuance and shades of gray. All-or-nothing thinking erases partial successes and turns normal complexity into emotional catastrophe. 🔥 How Perfectionism Shows Up in Burned-Out Doctors The Mental Movie Reel: Save someone's life at shift start → get one diagnosis wrong at end → drive home replaying only the mistake Three patients say "thank you" → fixate on one dissatisfied family 14 stable patients, 1 complication → brain erases the 14, obsesses over the 1 Physical & Emotional Symptoms: Chronic fatigue ("tired, tired, tired") Procrastination (nothing feels good enough, so why try?) Fear of disclosure (can't show vulnerability) Depersonalization of patients Professional isolation The Research: Perfectionism + imposter syndrome = strongest predictor of physician distress (even more than workload) 🛠️ Your Recovery Toolkit 1. Reframe Mistakes as Data From "I failed" → "I learned" From "I suck" → "I'm practicing medicine" Sports psychology: "Flush it" - move to the next play 2. The Reverse Golden Rule "Treat myself like I would treat other people" You're kind to others making their best effort Why treat yourself like your worst nightmare? 3. The 15-Minute Worry Rule Set timer in your car (not in your house) Journal/think about work problems for 15 minutes When brain offers it up later: "Thanks, brain. We already did worry time." 4. Embrace B-Minus Work Revolutionary concept for doctors: Your charts don't need to be Nobel Prize literature Get billing/medical-legal coverage ✓ Skip the Simon & Schuster quality ✗ Save A+ energy for surgery, not documentation 5. The 3-to-1 Assessment After each shift: List 3 things that went well, 1 thing to improve Builds nuanced thinking Breaks all-or-nothing patterns 6. Behavioral Experiments Submit something "good enough" without perfecting it Track the actual outcomes vs. your catastrophic predictions Spoiler: The world doesn't end 🎯 Celebrate Micro-Wins Real example: Doctor brought dark chocolate kisses to work. Every time she kept her cool in a tense situation → pop a kiss → celebrate the win. Result: Less irritability, better relationships, rewired brain. 🔗 Connection is Medicine "To be heard is to be healed" Share struggles with safe peers/coaches Normalize imperfection Break toxic culture of silence 💡 The Bottom Line Maladaptive perfectionism looks like hard work on the outside but feels like chronic self-criticism, fear, and exhaustion on the inside. The antidote isn't abandoning excellence - it's redefining it. From impossible flawlessness → resilient human high achievement Your worth is inherent because you're human, not because you're perfect. Ready to break free from the perfectionism trap? Start with one B-minus piece of work this week. Email your perfectionism quirks to podcast@thewholephysician.com - we see you Excellence without exhaustion is possible.

🔍 The Mind-Blowing Truth: You Are NOT Your Thoughts Metacognition = Thinking about your thinking. This single concept can revolutionize your entire medical career and life. Reality Check: Sometimes you get a song stuck in your head. That's not "you" - that's just your brain doing its thing while you observe it happening. You are the watcher, not the thoughts. ⚡ The Thought-Feeling-Action Chain That Runs Your Life The Formula: Circumstance → Thought → Feeling → Action → Result Same circumstance, different thoughts, completely different lives: Your kid gets a D: Parent 1: "This is embarrassing" (shame) Parent 2: "Is he being bullied?" (concern) Parent 3: "D's happen, no big deal" (calm) Patient shows up for 20th time with belly pain: Doctor 1: "Not again!" (frustration) Doctor 2: "What am I missing?" (curiosity) Same facts. Wildly different experiences. 🏗️ How Beliefs Build Neural Superhighways Beliefs = thoughts you've practiced so much they became automatic The Process: Single thought = dirt path in woods Repeated thought = hiking trail Practiced belief = paved road Default belief = neural superhighway Real Example: "I deserve Taco Bell after every shift" started as reward thinking, became automatic habit affecting health for years. 🔧 The Byron Katie Reality Check (4 Questions) When a thought is causing you pain, ask: Is it true? Can you absolutely know it's true? How do you react when you believe that thought? Who would you be without that thought? 💪 Belief Change = Mental Gym Workout The Science: It takes approximately 63 days (three 21-day cycles) to rewire a neural pathway from dirt road to superhighway. The Process: Pick a new empowering thought Feel the feeling in your body (not your head) Hold it for 10-20 seconds Repeat multiple times daily Be patient with the process Inspiration: Bob Ross went from stern Army sergeant to "happy little accidents" guy by literally rewiring his identity. ⚠️ Common Toxic Programming in Medicine "Suck it up, buttercup" "You're responsible for everyone else's happiness" "I must always be available to be a good doctor" "I can't do anything else besides medicine" These beliefs served you once. Do they serve you now? 🎯 This Week's Challenge Step 1: Catch yourself in a moment of strong emotion Step 2: Ask "What thought is driving this feeling?" Step 3: Just notice it (this alone deserves celebration) 🚨 Important Distinction: This Isn't Toxic Positivity Don't paste smiley faces over unresolved trauma. Some pain needs professional processing, not just reframing. Your body knows when you're lying to yourself. The Goal: Find equally true thoughts that actually serve your wellbeing and goals. 🔥 The Ultimate Truth From Corrie ten Boom's sister in a Nazi concentration camp: She found gratitude for fleas because they kept guards away. If someone can find empowering thoughts in that horror, you can find them in your daily frustrations. Your thoughts are not facts. Your beliefs are not permanent. Your neural pathways are malleable. Start building the superhighways that actually take you where you want to go. Ready to rewire? Start with one thought this week. Connect with us: podcast@thewholephysician.com Master your metacognition. Master your life.

🏺 The Flea in a Jar: A Powerful Metaphor for Your Life Fleas in a jar learn to jump only as high as the lid - even after it's removed. Sound familiar? This is learned helplessness in action, and it's quietly sabotaging your career and wellbeing. 💔 Healthcare's Hidden Prison The Pattern: Try to improve things → Get shut down → Stop trying → Accept dysfunction as "normal" Real Examples: Stopped asking for better equipment after years of "no" Accepted chronic understaffing as "just how it is" Gave up reporting safety issues because "nothing happens anyway" Abandoned workflow improvement suggestions after #85 gets ignored 🔥 The Dangerous Truth When YOU stop pushing boundaries, the system gets comfortable with YOUR discomfort. They'll gladly let you overfunction until you burn out, then replace you with the next overfunctioner. But here's the kicker: Your silence isn't protecting you - it's enabling a broken system. 🚨 Recognize These Limiting Beliefs? "I can't do anything else besides medicine" "I must always be available to be a good doctor" "Speaking up won't change anything" "This is just how healthcare works" "I can't run/exercise/change because I've failed before" 🛠️ Your Liberation Toolkit 1. Awareness Audit Journal to get rebellious thoughts out of your head before your brain squashes them Ask peers: "What rule are you following that isn't serving you?" List what's actually stopping you (spoiler: it's often just old conditioning) 2. Micro Experiments Speak up ONCE in a meeting Take 15 minutes to eat without interruption Try running 10 seconds longer than you think you can Use nonviolent communication: "When X happens, I feel Y because I need Z" 3. CBT Reality Checks Challenge "I can't" with "I can't YET" or "I'm learning to..." Replace "I'm stuck" with "I'm working toward believing I have options" Feel the energy shift when you change limiting thoughts 4. Build Your Support Network Find a boundary buddy for accountability Do boundary audits with colleagues Consider coaching or therapy for deep-seated schemas 5. Celebrate Every Victory Left work on time? CELEBRATE IT Spoke up in a meeting? Victory dance Your workplace made a positive change? Shout it from the rooftops 💪 The Bottom Line Most limits are learned, not real. That lid was removed long ago - you just haven't tested how high you can actually jump. Your voice matters. Your boundaries matter. Your wellbeing matters. The system needs healthy, empowered physicians who refuse to accept dysfunction as normal. Ready to break free? Start with one micro experiment this week. Join fellow physicians breaking barriers at the Happier Hour - ACEP Scientific Assembly 2025, Salt Lake City Email your breakthrough stories to podcast@thewholephysician.com Transform your limits into launching pads - you're capable of more than you know.

🌟 Transform Your Reaction to Life's Challenges Ever feel personally attacked by every setback at work? This episode will revolutionize how you handle those moments when life seems to be targeting you specifically! 🚤 The Empty Boat Parable Picture yourself floating peacefully down a river when WHAM - another boat crashes into you! Your blood boils, ready to unleash fury... until you realize the boat is completely empty. No malicious intent, no personal vendetta - just a random collision. This changes everything. 💡 Key Insights That Will Transform Your Day ✨ Most conflicts aren't personal - You're often just stepping into someone else's storm ✨ Neutral events become personal attacks only when we create that story ✨ Pain × Resistance = Suffering - The resistance hurts more than the original event ✨ Your inner critic is also an empty boat - Those harsh thoughts don't define reality 🏥 Real-World Applications for Healthcare Heroes 🔥 Grumpy Patients? They were frustrated before you walked in the room - you just happened to be there 📞 Difficult Consultants? Maybe they've had 10 calls in the last hour or personal stress you can't see 💻 EMR Crashes? The system isn't plotting against YOU specifically - it's just being a system 👨‍⚕️ Missing Lab Values? Grace over self-attack - what can you learn for next time? ⏰ Delayed Imaging? Workflow backlogs happen to everyone - call for updates instead of stewing 🛠️ Your Empty Boat Toolkit Micro-Pause Power: "Let your breath be the first word" - inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 8 Label It: Say "empty boat, empty boat" to yourself Get Curious: Ask "Is anyone actually targeting me here?" Thought Dump: Write down your reactions and examine them when you're calm Habit Stack: Link the empty boat reminder to regular activities (opening charts, washing hands, etc.) 🎯 The Ultimate Goal Build resilience so powerful that things that used to send you into fight-or-flight mode become... just neutral events you can handle with grace. 💪 Bottom Line: You can't control others, but you can master your responses. That's where your real power lives! Want to connect with fellow physicians building resilience? Join us at the Happier Hour during ACEP Scientific Assembly 2025 in Salt Lake City! Follow @thewholephysician for daily inspiration and email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com ⭐ Leave us 5 stars if this helped you find your calm in the storm!

What if your worth had nothing to do with your productivity, your pager, or your sacrifice? In the final episode of our Codependence series, we’re diving deep into one of the most freeing truths you can learn as a physician (or frankly, as a human): you are more than your usefulness. Many of us in medicine — especially women and those raised in high-demand families — have been praised for being martyrs. We’ve built entire identities around being the helper, the achiever, the rock. But at what cost? In this conversation, we explore: ✨ The Hidden Trap of the “Martyr” Identity – Why over-functioning feels rewarding… until it doesn’t. ✨ How Codependence Distorts Your Sense of Self – And how to reclaim the YOU beneath the role. ✨ Differentiation: The Key to Freedom – Staying emotionally connected without losing yourself. ✨ Practical Steps to Rebuild Your Identity – From inner child work and journaling to creative expression and supportive relationships. ✨ The Worthiness Reframe You Need to Hear – You are not here to be everything to everyone. You are here to be fully yourself. This episode is packed with truth bombs, gentle challenges, and actionable tools to help you shift from people-pleasing and self-sacrifice into authenticity, agency, and healing — for yourself and the people you serve. 💡 Whether you’re realizing for the first time that your identity has been tangled up in your role, or you’ve been working on this for years, you’ll leave this episode with hope, clarity, and permission to step into a life that feels like yours again. 📅 Bonus Announcement – If you’re coming to the ASEP Scientific Assembly 2025 in Salt Lake City, join us for our Happy ER Hour — a physician meetup for community, connection, and maybe a few laughs. Because you’re not falling apart. You’re falling into alignment. And we love that for you. 💛

Hey friend 👋 Ever find yourself saying yes when your soul is screaming NO? Still picking up that extra shift, joining one more committee, or trying to make everyone happy… while secretly feeling overwhelmed and low-key resentful? This episode is your loving wake-up call. 💥 Join Drs. Amanda, Laura, and Kendra as they dive deep into one of the core healing practices for codependence in medicine: 💥 Boundaries that are clear, kind, and consistent. You’ll learn: ✅ The 3 types of boundaries you need to know ✅ Real-world scripts to help you say “no” with kindness and confidence ✅ Why clear is kind (and overexplaining is not) ✅ How healthy boundaries actually build stronger relationships ✅ Why your discomfort is a powerful compass—not a stop sign 🚦 💡 Whether you’re burnt out, people-pleasing, or just ready to reclaim your time, this episode will help you reset, recharge, and re-align with your true self. Because boundaries aren’t selfish… They’re sacred. 🔔 Homework Challenge This week, try one of these: Say “no” with kindness 💬 Pause before you commit ⏸️ Let discomfort guide you instead of scare you 😅 You are allowed to have needs. You are allowed to protect your peace. You are allowed to say, “I love you… and no.” 🔥 Favorite Quote: "You are not responsible for others. You are responsible to them—with respect and honesty." – Pia Mellody 💌 Got thoughts or questions? Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com 📱Follow us on Instagram @thewholephysician for daily wisdom & boundary-boosting inspiration 🌟 Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review — it helps more healers heal. Until next time... ✨ You are whole. ✨ You are a gift to medicine. ✨ And the work you do matters.

💛 Drive Time Debrief Ep. 177: Why Boundaries Are a Birthright “You are not broken. You might just be codependent.” In this eye-opening and compassion-filled episode, we continue our Codependence in Medicine series by zooming in on what codependence really is, where it comes from, and — most importantly — how we can heal. ✨ Spoiler alert: If you’ve ever felt like your worth is tied to how much you give, produce, or fix for others… this episode is for you. We’re grounding this conversation in the brilliant work of Pia Mellody, who defined codependence as the result of childhood relational trauma that affects our self-esteem, boundaries, reality, needs, and self-expression. You’ll hear how these patterns show up not just in our homes — but in medical training, work culture, and the unrealistic expectations placed on doctors. 👶 Childhood patterns that still echo: “Go hug Grandma. Don’t be rude.” “Stop crying. You’re fine.” “Don’t be ridiculous.” “You don’t really need rest. You’re strong.” All of these seemingly small moments teach us the same lie: Your needs don’t matter. But here’s the truth we’re claiming: 🌿 You are allowed to have boundaries. 🌿 You don’t need to earn rest. 🌿 Self-sacrifice is not love. 🌿 Healing is possible. 💥 This episode covers: Why codependence isn't just about “being too nice” How childhood experiences shape adult behaviors — especially in high-achieving professionals The 5 types of boundaries and how they’re often violated The link between burnout and developmental trauma Why it’s never too late to relearn your worth and reclaim your space If you’ve ever felt invisible, exhausted, or guilty for saying “no,” let this episode be a gentle mirror — and a loving reminder that you’re not alone. The system isn’t broken because of you — it’s been breaking on top of you. But we can name it, untangle it, and choose something better. “Children who aren’t allowed to have boundaries grow into adults who don’t know how to protect themselves.” — Pia Mellody 🌈 You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. 🎧 Listen in, share with a friend, and let’s start rewriting the rules of what it means to help — without losing ourselves. 📬 Email us at: podcast@thewholephysician.com 📱 Follow us on socials for daily inspiration ⭐️ Leave a review — and help more docs find their way home to themselves

 Do you really know the difference between being a team player… and being codependent? In this eye-opening and deeply validating episode, the docs take a tender and honest look at codependence in medicine — what it is, where it comes from, how it hides behind “professionalism”… and why so many physicians unknowingly carry these patterns from childhood into their careers. We explore: ✨ The 5 core symptoms of codependence (originally defined by Pia Mellody) ✨ Why medicine often rewards codependent behavior ✨ How emotional neglect or inconsistency in childhood can shape who we become as physicians ✨ Why boundaries are not selfish (and how to actually hold them) ✨ The real reason we say yes to shifts we don’t want, take on burdens that aren’t ours, and don’t let ourselves pee, eat, or rest ✨ What it means to return to your career on your terms Plus: what we each wish we’d known earlier, and the freeing realization that you don’t have to be Superwoman to be worthy. You already are. 🔁 Whether you’re a “recovering people-pleaser,” just starting to untangle from burnout, or curious about how codependence shows up in your life — this episode is for you. 💌 Reflection prompt: Where in your life are you over-functioning, denying your needs, or confusing self-sacrifice with self-worth? 🔊 Tune in to learn: Why your emotional suppression was adaptive — and how to gently grow past it How to recognize when you’re doing other people’s emotional work What boundaries really are (and how they can bring you back to life) The simple mindset shift that helps you reclaim your energy, agency, and worth 💬 Email us at podcast@thewholephysician.com — we’d love to hear your experience with these patterns. 📲 Follow us on socials @thewholephysician for memes, tools, and behind-the-scenes inspiration. 🌟 And exciting news! We’re back for the third annual Happier Hours at ASEP Scientific Assembly 2025 in Salt Lake City!! Stay tuned for the official launch of our event page. 🎉 Until next time — You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters.

🌙 Episode Highlights Ready to transform your post-shift sleep game? Kendra drops knowledge bombs about why working nights feels crazy (spoiler: you're not crazy, it's just science!). 🧠 Mind-Blowing Facts 40% of shift workers have Shift Work Sleep Disorder - you're not alone! Sleep deprivation = legally drunk levels of impairment Short sleep (less than 6 hours) might be shortening your life! 🚨 SWSD Symptoms Trouble falling asleep after shift (body exhausted, brain WIDE awake) Brain fog and mood swings Headaches and low energy coffee can't fix 💡 Sleep Hygiene Game-Changers 🌡️ Temperature: Keep it cool (around 67°F) 🌑 Darkness: Blackout everything - even that Roomba light! 🔇 Sound: White noise, brown noise - find your jam! 🎯 Evidence-Based Strategies Forward rotating shifts work better At least 48 hours off after night shifts Cut caffeine 6+ hours before bedtime Strategic napping: 30 minutes OR full 90-minute cycles No phones in bed! 🏆 Small Wins = Big Changes Pick ONE thing to start with: Cover annoying alarm clock lights Push bedtime 30 minutes earlier Invest in blackout curtains Stop scrolling in bed 🗣️ Communication is Key Set boundaries with your household - communicate your sleep schedule and permission granted to prioritize your rest! 🆘 When to Seek Help Never waking up feeling rested? Always exhausted? See a sleep specialist! Resources: CBTI apps, pharmacological support when needed. 🎉 What's Next? Email us: podcast@thewholephysician.com Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters! 💙

Meet Dr. Dina Schweitzer - veteran, board-certified urogynecologist, and burnout survivor who transformed her life through coaching. After 20+ years in a toxic medical system, she was ready to quit medicine entirely. Then everything changed. Key Breakthroughs 🍑 The Purple Peach Moment: "You're a peach in a world of apples" - discovering she wasn't broken, just seeking validation from the wrong people 🏁 Off the Mental Racetrack: Learning to recognize and step away from the endless loop of negative thoughts 💪 Beautiful Imperfection: "You're trying to be perfect, but you're gonna kill yourself trying" - embracing her humanity Why This Episode Matters Dr. Schweitzer's transformation proves that no matter how dark burnout gets, there's always a path back to joy. Her story shows us: Burnout isn't a character flaw Your unique gifts are exactly what the world needs Small mindset shifts create massive life changes It's never too late to reclaim your worth Golden Quote "You have to go, 'Hey, I do like me, even if I have some screw ups.'" You ARE whole. You ARE a gift to medicine. The work you do MATTERS. Five-star reviews help others find us! Connect: podcast@thewholephysician.com

“The brain is a dangerous place… never go there alone.” 👀💭 Ever caught yourself spiraling into a story that wasn’t entirely based on facts? Yeah... us too. In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra continue their powerful Byron Katie series, diving into the stories our brains tell and the real cost of believing everything we think. Spoiler: your thoughts aren’t always truth—and they’re definitely not always helpful. ✨ Here's what we cover: Why your brain creates stories—and how it tries to protect you with them The sneaky ways texts, tones, and side-eyes can launch a narrative How to pause the panic and look for actual evidence What to do when anxiety pops up without a clear reason The small but powerful shift from “judgment” to “curiosity” How to find a more helpful story (even if you can’t leap to sunshine and rainbows just yet) Why being a slower doctor might actually mean you're doing it right 💡 🧠 Whether you’re dealing with imposter syndrome, feeling stuck in old beliefs, or just tired of beating yourself up—this episode will give you the tools to get curious, challenge your thoughts, and reclaim your peace. 💬 Favorite quote: “Any stressful feeling is like a compassionate alarm clock that says you're caught in the dream.” 🎧 Listen in and learn how to: Recognize your “stories” in real time Start fact-checking your thoughts like a scientist Swap “I’m not good enough” for “What else might be true?” Move from stuck to empowered, one thought at a time 👩‍⚕️ You are not broken. You are not behind. You’re just human—and your beautiful brain is trying to help. Let’s teach it a better way.  ⭐️ Don’t forget to rate and review the show—your words help more doctors find this life-changing work. Resources: Byron Katie’s Loving What Is Free Session with a Physician Coach

 ✨ What You'll Discover This Week Ready to stop exhausting yourself by arguing with reality? Amanda, Laura, and Kendra are back with episode 172, diving deep into Byron Katie's powerful concept of "Noticing When Your Thoughts Argue with Reality." Spoiler alert: You can't teach a cat to bark! 🐱 🔥 Key Takeaways That Will Change Your Day The Cat That Won't Bark "You can spend the rest of your life trying to teach a cat to bark. Yet if you pay attention, you'll notice that you believe thoughts like this, dozens of times a day." Sound familiar? We're constantly thinking: People should be kinder Traffic should move faster My colleague should call me back That code should have gone better Plot twist: All that "shoulding" is just making you miserable! The Wind in Barstow Wisdom 🌪️ Byron Katie became known as "the woman who made friends with the wind" because she stopped fighting what she couldn't control. Her game-changing realization? "When I argue with reality, I lose—but only 100% of the time!" The Power Question That Changes Everything Instead of asking "Why did this happen?" try asking: "What intelligent solutions can I find right now?" This simple shift moves you from victim to victor, from stuck to unstuck! 💪 Your Sphere of Influence vs. Sphere of Control What you CONTROL: Your choices, your responses, your boundaries What you INFLUENCE: Others (but you have to let go of the outcome!) What you CAN'T control: Pretty much everything else! The hosts share real talk about setting boundaries with toxic supervisors and difficult colleagues—because accepting reality doesn't mean accepting poor treatment! 🌟 The Hope Factor When you stop arguing with what happened, something magical occurs: Action becomes simple and fluid You find your power again Solutions appear where you saw only problems You can actually help others (and yourself!) As one host beautifully puts it: "When you get stuck arguing with reality, you lose your vision of hope." 🎯 This Week's Challenge Notice when you catch yourself "shoulding" all over reality. Then ask: Is this something I can actually change right now? What's one small action I can take instead of arguing? How can I make friends with this particular "wind"? 📱 Connect & Share Got your own "making friends with the wind" story? The hosts would love to hear it! Email: podcast@thewholephysician.com Follow for weekly awesome content on socials! ⭐ Love this episode? Leave a 5-star review and help other physicians find their path to freedom from burnout! 🎉 Special Announcement FREE WEBINAR ALERT! 🚨 "The Five Steps to Freedom from Burnout" 📅 June 26th at 7:00 PM Central 🎆 In honor of July 4th (with some amazing memes!) [Free Webinar June 26, 2025] 5 Steps to Freedom from Burnout: How to Survive the Dumpster Fire of Medicine 💝 Your Daily Reminder "You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters." Now stop arguing with the wind and go make something beautiful happen! 🌟 Episode 172 | The Drive Time Debrief | Your weekly dose of sanity, inspiration, and real talk for physicians who are ready to thrive Byron Katie’s Loving What Is Free Session with a Physician Coach

🌟 Episode Highlights ✨ Our Amazing Guest: Dr. Marci Gambarota, Emergency Physician with 20+ years of experience serving the Navajo Nation through Indian Health Service in Gallup, New Mexico 🚀 The Transformation: From considering leaving medicine entirely (hello, Trader Joe's career change!) to rediscovering her passion and purpose in just 30 minutes of coaching! 🔥 Key Takeaways That Will Inspire You: 💡 The Game-Changer Moment Discovered that her thoughts - not external circumstances - were creating her burnout Realized she had more control than she thought over her happiness and career satisfaction 🌈 Life After Coaching: Went from Type A to "Type A-minus/B-plus" (we're here for this energy!) Now runs a successful acupuncture clinic one day a week with 100+ people on the waiting list Learned to appreciate being present at work instead of just rushing through shifts 🎯 Practical Self-Care Wins: Daily yoga and exercise routine Regular outdoor walks and hikes Taking advantage of New Mexico's 300+ sunny days per year! 💫 Inspiring Quotes from Dr. Marci Gambarota: "I realized that what I'm doing is a choice I'm making. It's not that I have to do this." "Remember to refill your own cup. That's number one. Help yourself first, then you can worry about helping others." "There's no perfect job anywhere. They all come with drawbacks... you just have to adapt." 🚀 Why This Episode Is Pure Gold: Lightning-Fast Results: Dr. Marci Gambarota felt hopeful after just one 30-minute coaching session Real Talk: Honest discussion about working in challenging government healthcare systems Career Pivot Magic: How she added acupuncture to her practice and found a new retirement plan Mindset Mastery: From "nothing will help me" to thriving in her current role 🎉 The Ripple Effect: Dr. Marci Gambarota's transformation shows how one person changing their approach at work creates positive change for everyone - colleagues, patients, and the entire healthcare system! 📅 Don't Miss This! FREE WEBINAR: "The Five Steps to Freedom from Burnout" 📅 June 26th at 7:00 PM Central Time 🎆 Celebrating freedom and featuring "Fast Five Freddy Fireworks"! 👆 Registration link in show notes below 💌 Connect With Us: Email: podcast@thewholephysician.com Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily inspiration! ⭐ Love This Episode? Please leave us a 5-star rating and review! Your support helps us reach more physicians who need to hear these transformational stories. Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters! 🩺✨ Free Session with a Physician Coach [Free Webinar June 26, 2025] 5 Steps to Freedom from Burnout: How to Survive the Dumpster Fire of Medicine

 🔥 What You'll Discover Two hospitalists reveal how they went from overworked doctors to semi-retired in just 3 years - and how YOU can do the same. The Mind-Blowing Numbers: 175+ rental units + 2,100 syndicated units $270,000 tax write-off from ONE short-term rental 6 months traveling Europe with their kids (while still earning) 3,500+ physicians taught their system 💰 The 3 Tax "Loopholes" Every Doctor Should Know 1. Real Estate Professional Status The Game-Changer: Shelter your entire W-2 income from taxes The Catch: Must work more hours in real estate than medicine 2. Short-Term Rental Strategy The Power Move: Write off $200K+ in your first year The Secret: 7-day average stays + 100 hours of work 3. Medical Office Hack The Simple Play: Buy your office building, shelter your practice income The Beauty: No special requirements needed 🚀 "But I Don't Have Time or Money!" MYTH BUSTED: They started with just $200K and week-on/week-off hospital schedules Reality Check: House hack during residency (live free, get paid) $9,000 down payment deals exist One property can replace your salary 🎯 The Brutal Truth About Getting Started ❌ Don't: Try to do this alone (expensive mistakes guaranteed) ❌ Don't: Let fear keep you "comfortable" and broke ❌ Don't: Wait for the "perfect" time (spoiler: it doesn't exist) ✅ Do: Find mentors who've done it ✅ Do: Start with your compelling vision ✅ Do: Join a community of like-minded investors 🎤 Meet Your Hosts Dr. Leticia Lati Alto & Dr. Kenji Asura - Board-certified hospitalists turned real estate moguls. Authors of "Life on Your Terms" and founders of Semi-Retired MD. 🎁 Exclusive Listener Bonus FREE "Ignite Your Journey" Mini-Course (normally $197) Their exact "Fast Fire" system revealed Real property examples and numbers Step-by-step scaling strategies 💭 The Quote That Changes Everything "You are never stuck. You always have choices and you are capable of probably a lot more than you give yourself credit for." Ready to stop trading time for money? This episode shows you exactly how successful doctors are building wealth while sleeping. Listen now if you're tired of feeling trapped by your medical career and ready to create real financial freedom. Resources: semiretiredmd.com Free (usually $200) Ignite Your journey https://semiretiredmd.ac-page.com/leti-live This helps you decide if real estate is right for you and gives you real-life examples of properties purchased by doctors just like you. Doctors Building Wealth Podcast Life on Your Terms Zero to Freedom Waitlist Free Video: How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or “Sucking It Up” in Silence Free Session with a Physician Coach [Free Webinar June 26, 2025] 5 Steps to Freedom from Burnout: How to Survive the Dumpster Fire of Medicine

Ever drive home from a shift and think, “I didn’t do enough”? That one thought can launch a full-on shame spiral—and you’re not alone. In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive deep into Byron Katie’s second principle from Loving What Is: Meeting the Mind with Understanding. This game-changing concept invites us to challenge the stories our minds tell—especially the ones that hurt. The truth? Thoughts are just suggestions. They aren't facts unless we believe them. And believing every single one without inquiry? That’s what causes suffering. Join us as we: Explore why our brains offer unhelpful (and dramatic) thoughts Learn how to meet those thoughts with compassion, not judgment Discover the freedom in metacognition—becoming the observer of our thoughts Offer practical tools to question painful beliefs like, “I’m not a good enough doctor” Discuss how this shift is not toxic positivity—it’s radical honesty If you’ve ever felt stuck in your inner critic’s narrative or found yourself spiraling in self-doubt, this episode offers a way out. We talk real tools for awareness, inquiry, and reclaiming agency in your own mind. ✨ Remember: Your thoughts are not the boss of you. And healing starts with curiosity. 🎧 Tune in and start noticing what your mind is telling you… and whether you really want to believe it. Resources: Loving What Is by Byron Katie Complimentary Chat with a Physician Coach Free Video: How to Crush Physicain Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back, Quitting Medicine, or "Sucking It Up" in Silence

 🚨 Warning: If you've ever thought "I should see more patients," "I should have caught that," or "I should stay late to help" - this episode will call you out (in the best possible way). The Problem Every Doctor Faces (But Nobody Talks About) Picture this: You're finishing a long shift, the waiting room is still packed, and that voice in your head starts up again... "I should stay late. I should see more patients. I should have caught that diagnosis earlier." Sound familiar? You're not alone. Marshall Rosenberg called "should" a VIOLENT word - and after listening to this episode, you'll understand exactly why this seemingly harmless word is quietly sabotaging your career, your relationships, and your mental health. What You'll Discover in This Episode: ✅ The hidden psychology behind why "should" creates shame, guilt, and burnout (hint: it's disconnecting you from your authentic motivations) ✅ Why your brain rebels against "should" statements - and how this creates the exact opposite of what you want ✅ The 3-step process to transform "should" into conscious choice (this alone will change how you approach every decision) ✅ Real examples from the ER, clinic, and hospital that will make you say "That's literally me!" ✅ How to stop the vicious cycle of: "I should chart right now" (but end up procrastinating) "I should never complain" (then feeling resentful) "I should have known better" (leading to imposter syndrome) The Moment Everything Clicks "Should really implies you have no choice. You're acting under duress or guilt... this creates resistance. Resistance leads to resentment." When you realize you're CHOOSING to go to work (because you value helping patients and earning a living) versus feeling like you HAVE TO go to work - everything changes. The energy shifts. The resentment disappears. You show up as your best self. Why This Matters RIGHT NOW If you're experiencing: 🔥 Burnout that won't go away 😤 Resentment toward your job, patients, or colleagues 😰 Anxiety about productivity and performance 🤯 Overwhelm from competing priorities 💭 Imposter syndrome and self-doubt ...then the word "should" is likely running the show in your brain. And it's time to take back control. The Neuroscience Behind Your Inner Critic Discover how your left limbic system creates that "should" persona that's trying to protect you from embarrassment and rejection - but actually keeping you stuck in stress, shame, and psychological reactance. "When we use should, we disconnect from our authentic motivations and underlying needs." Ready to Stop "Shoulding" on Yourself? This isn't just about changing your language - it's about reclaiming your autonomy as a physician and reconnecting with WHY you chose medicine in the first place. The 3-Step Process Revealed: Catch the Should (awareness is everything) Ask: What need am I trying to meet? (connection, competence, autonomy, rest?) Reframe into choice language ("I choose to... because I value...") Share This Episode Know a physician who's been "shoulding" on themselves lately? Send them this episode. They'll thank you for it. ⭐ Leave a review - it helps other doctors find us and moves us up in the rankings! Remember: You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. And the work you do matters. Stop shoulding. Start choosing. Your future self will thank you. Resources: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Complimentary Chat with a Physician Coach Free Video: How to Crush Physicain Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back, Quitting Medicine, or "Sucking It Up" in Silence

 🎯 What You'll Discover in This Episode Ready to revolutionize your relationship with emotions? This episode is your roadmap to emotional mastery! Our amazing hosts break down how every single emotion you feel is actually valuable information designed to help you thrive. ✨ The Big Mindset Shift Stop fearing your emotions and start using them! Each feeling is like a text message from your inner wisdom, telling you exactly what you need to know to take your next best step. 🔥 Your Emotion Decoder Ring: 11 Powerful Insights ANGER - Energy with a Purpose 💪 What it's telling you: Something's challenging your values or sense of justice Your superpower move: Channel that fire into positive change! Pro tip: Ask yourself what's really underneath - sometimes anger is protecting softer feelings GUILT - Your Values Compass 🧭 What it's telling you: Your actions might not align with who you want to be Your superpower move: Let it guide you back to your authentic self Remember: "I did something misaligned" vs "I am bad" - huge difference! FRUSTRATION - The Stuck Signal 🚧 What it's telling you: There's a gap between your effort and the outcome Your superpower move: Shift your approach OR adjust your expectations Game-changer: Sometimes lowering expectations is the fastest path to feeling better! OVERTHINKING - Control Seeker Alert 🤯 What it's telling you: Your brain is trying to control the uncontrollable Your superpower move: Trust yourself to handle whatever comes Mantra: "Of course this happened. What can I actually control here?" GRIEF - Love with Nowhere to Go 💖 What it's telling you: You're processing a profound loss Your superpower move: Feel it fully - it's proportional to how much you loved Beautiful truth: Grief is actually a tribute to what mattered most FEAR - Your Overprotective Guardian 🛡️ What it's telling you: Your mind is trying to keep you safe Your superpower move: Learn to distinguish real threats from growth opportunities Reality check: Not every unfamiliar thing is dangerous! SADNESS - The Processing Mode 🌧️ What it's telling you: Your mind is slowing down to catch up with reality Your superpower move: Allow the processing - it's healing in action Reframe: This isn't weakness, it's your brain doing important work! LONELINESS - Connection Craving 🤝 What it's telling you: Time to reach out and reconnect Your superpower move: Call someone who makes you feel seen and understood Warning: Superficial connections won't satisfy this deeper need DISAPPOINTMENT - Expectation Mismatch 📊 What it's telling you: Reality didn't meet your expectations Your superpower move: Assess if expectations were realistic and adjust accordingly Opportunity: Perfect time to communicate your needs more clearly BOREDOM - Unused Creative Energy ⚡ What it's telling you: Your brain wants something more meaningful Your superpower move: Channel that energy into something creative or purposeful Truth bomb: It's not that there's nothing to do - you need something that lights you up! ENVY/RESENTMENT - Desire Detector 🎯 What it's telling you: You want something and feel blocked from having it Your superpower move: Ask "What's stopping me from getting this?" Plot twist: It's usually not about the other person at all! 🚀 Key Takeaways That Will Change Your Life Emotions = Information, Not Problems - Every feeling has a message for you Name It to Claim It - Emotional granularity gives you power and perspective Feel It to Heal It - Pushing emotions away makes them heavier You Have Options - Change what you can, adjust expectations, or choose a different path Lower Those Expectations - Sometimes the fastest route to feeling better! 💡 Practical Magic for Healthcare Heroes Our hosts share real-world wisdom for medical professionals dealing with: Packed waiting rooms and system frustrations Guilt about not helping everyone The balance between caring deeply and protecting your energy Finding meaning in imperfect systems Remember: Accepting limitations doesn't make you complicit - it frees up energy for where you CAN make a difference! 🎉 Why the Doctors at Your Hospital Need to Hear This Episode This isn't just theory - it's practical emotional intelligence that will help you: Navigate workplace stress with more grace Understand what your feelings are really trying to tell you Turn emotional "problems" into powerful information Feel more empowered in challenging situations Build better relationships with yourself and others 📞 Connect with The Whole Physician Email: podcast@thewholephysician.com Love what you heard? Leave us a review (it helps your favorite doctors find us!) Check out our new video: "How to Crush Physician Burnout for Good" Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it 🌟 Final Reminder You are whole. You are a gift to medicine. The work you do matters. Your emotions aren't obstacles to overcome - they're superpowers waiting to be unleashed! Ready to transform your emotional life? Hit play and let's dive in! 🎧✨   Resources: Nadia Addesi Talk with a Physician Coach Free Video: How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or 'Sucking It Up' in Silence

 ✨ Episode Highlights: What is Nonviolent Communication? A framework developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg that centers empathy, clarity, and connection instead of blame, criticism, or control. Why It Matters: 70% of sentinel events in hospitals are linked to communication breakdowns! Plus, as Brené Brown says, "Clear is kind, unclear is unkind." The 4 Components of Nonviolent Communication: Observation - State facts without judgment Feeling - Express your emotions about what you observed Need - Identify the underlying need or value Request - Make a clear, actionable request Real-Life Examples that transform challenging conversations into opportunities for connection with: Nurses questioning your medical decisions Colleagues who are consistently late Partners after a long, exhausting shift Children needing your attention while you're working Inexperienced staff members who need guidance 💡 Powerful Takeaways: Moving from reacting to responding Shifting from disconnection to mutual understanding Transforming defensiveness into curiosity 📚 Book Recommendations: "Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg "Crucial Conversations" for handling difficult discussions with confidence 🌟 Remember: Nonviolent communication isn't about being "nice" – it's about being REAL and saying the truth in a way that invites others to meet you where you are! Until next time—you are whole, you are a gift to medicine, and the work you do matters!   Resources: Nonviolent Communication Cheat Sheet Nonviolent Communication Book Crucial Conversations Book Talk with a Physician Coach Free Video: How to Crush Physician Burnout (for Good) without Cutting Back Hours, Quitting Medicine, or 'Sucking It Up' in Silence