Checkup Podcast with Katie and Alan

In this podcast episode, the host, Alan, discusses productivity and managing distractions with special guest Dr. Robert Greve, Associate Dean of the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Greve shares insights from his research on knowledge worker productivity, focusing on the impact of email interruptions and strategies for managing them, such as batching emails and setting...

This podcast episode features an insightful discussion between Drake, the show's producer, and Alan, exploring the significant challenges faced by healthcare professionals post-COVID. They delve into how the healthcare landscape is currently stressed and stretched, emphasizing the importance of understanding organizational and individual perspectives to tackle issues effectively. Key topics in...

In this episode, hosts Katie and Alan delve into the concept of personal stories and the significance they hold in both individual lives and organizational contexts. They start by discussing the ease of transitioning between seasons, both literally and metaphorically, and how personal development is similar to changing weather patterns. They emphasize that everyone has a memorable story, challengi...

This podcast episode features a conversation with Heather, a pharmacist supervisor from Los Angeles, who shares her journey of personal growth, the challenges of balancing professional and personal life, and the importance of self-discovery and community engagement. The hosts, Katie and Alan, delve into topics such as the struggle with abrupt transitions, the impact of self-care, mentoring, and fi...

The episode discusses the impact of stress on healthcare professionals and ways to navigate it. The hosts, Katie and Alan, share their experiences with stress and how it affects their work and personal lives. They explore the manifestations of stress, ranging from reduced motivation to catastrophic thinking. They highlight the importance of self-awareness in identifying stress sources and managing...

The podcast discusses in detail the superpowers and liabilities of Enneagram types five, six, and seven. The hosts discuss the self-sufficiency and objectivity of fives, the safety and problem-solving focus of sixes, and the positivity, creativity, and high energy of sevens. They examine how, when overused, these strengths can become liabilities, such as fives dismissing anything beyond data and f...

Katie and Alan discuss the major attributes connected to the Heart Triad in the Enneagram (Types 2, 3, and 4). They point out their abilities and superpowers which include: empathy and understanding for Type 2, achieving goals and work ethic for Type 3, and a deep emotional understanding and authenticity for Type 4. They also identify potential liabilities for each type, emphasizing the need for s...

In this podcast episode, hosts Alan and Katie dive deep into the Enneagram's gut triad types (8, 9, and 1), examining their respective strengths (superpowers) and drawbacks (liabilities) within a healthcare setting. Type 8 is described as being active and driven, capable of rallying others and facing difficulties head-on. However, they can neglect detailed thinking and display overconfidence,...

In this personal and introspective discussion, the hosts Alan and Katie explore the theme of loneliness and despair and their impact on personal and professional life. Often termed as 'The Pit of Despair', this emotional state can be triggered by feelings of incompetency, lack of self-worth, or unemployment. The hosts share personal stories and experiences coupled with the wisdom they have...

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of embracing imperfections and finding beauty in them. They elaborate on the idea, citing the Japanese art concept of finding beauty in imperfections. With various self-reflective questions about fear, hiding, and proving oneself, they explore how confronting and embracing imperfections can lead to personal growth and better work life, particularly in...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the Peace Index, a tool that tracks peace and wellbeing across five key areas: Purpose, Place, People, Financial and Physical Health. They emphasize that progress not perfection, is the goal in this journey. They share how changes or lack thereof, in their own Peace Indices influenced their paths and decisions, citing examples in professional shifts, investments...

In this podcast episode, Alan and Katie discuss the importance of crafting a personal vision and provide a step-by-step process on how to create one. They encourage listeners to dream big and embrace change, highlighting the importance of self-assessment and self-awareness in charting a future course. Key points include recognizing the things that energize and excite you, seeking feedback from tru...

Alan and Katie dive into a deep conversation about setting and approaching New Year's resolutions, goals, and apprehending limiting beliefs. They explore the self-awareness that drives goal-setting and the role of inner dialogue in pursuing or inhibiting these goals, underscoring the importance of a healthy mindset. The duo also touch on the relationship between perceived failures and self-con...

In this podcast, Katie and Alan explore the concept of disruption and its potential value in both personal and professional growth. They discuss the significance of disruption in challenging existing routines and instigating growth, explaining that it could cause discomfort but leads to deeper self-understanding and transformation. They note that while disruption can be an intentional process, it...

Introduction and Overview this joyful patient I have, perhaps the patient that's not so joyful.... Joy in Serving Others: A Discussion that's awesome I love it well I think the encouragement started with you so the feeling is mutual but yes it's hard to believe we are recording episode 22 and you know I think it's very fitting that we are talking about joy in serving others and how...

Introduction and Setting the Stage it was a Friday, it was, my whole family was home because we'd been snowed in. And I saw that number from the healthcare organization. I saw it pop up on my phone and I thought, this is it. And they told me I was so distraught, they actually had to call me back and let me collect myself. Because I knew in that instant that this could be really bad And shortly...

Navigating the Holiday Season as a Healthcare Professional In this podcast episode, co-hosts Katie and Alan discuss the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals during the holiday season, often marked by high stress levels and complex emotions. They share personal experiences and offer helpful tips for maintaining a positive mindset, dealing with expectations, embracing imperfections, a...

This podcast focuses on discussing the head triad in the Enneagram, which includes types five, six, and seven. The hosts, Alan and Katie, delve into what each type represents, examining both the strengths and challenges these traits can bring in a healthcare setting. Looking at key features, they explore the importance of considering different perspectives in improving patient care. They also exam...

Introduction to the Heart Triad: Twos, Threes, and Fours Overview of the heart triad in the Enneagram and its significance in healthcare. Core Motivators of the Heart Triad Exploring the key motivations behind types 2 (Considerate Helper), 3 (Competitive Achiever), and 4 (Authentic Creative). The Considerate Helper: Type 2 in Focus Discussion on the characteristics, strengths, and challenges of En...

THE ENNEAGRAM: HOW TO BUILD A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP The dominant emotion is anger. Understanding the Enneagram helped Alan be more aware of it. How do we build a healthy culture around the relationships? THE ENNEAGRAM TRIAD We're going to get really practical tonight as we talk about the type eight, type nine and type one. We're talking about for healthcare professionals, personally and pro...

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF KATIE Alan says he is super excited about today's topic. He needs an update on your chicken egg enterprise. Katie will once again only scratch the surface. We will definitely take deeper dives in subsequent weeks. COACHING THE ENNEAGRAM Today my excitement is that we start talking about the Enneagram. Having been certified in this assessment, both individual and team basi...

WHAT'S FALL FASHION? With fall weather comes favorite foods. Katie loves anything pumpkin spice flavored, particularly like pumpkin bread. Alan: How is this different from counseling? WHAT COACHING IS AND WHAT IT'S NOT We're going to unpack tonight what coaching is, what it's not. In the context of as a healthcare professional, should I even be thinking about coaching? Why coaching...

WHAT ARE TRANSITIONS IN YOUR LIFE? In this episode, we're talking about transitions. Many of us may be unaware that we're even going through a transition. We'll discuss the unexpected consequences of these invisible daily transitions. How do you deal with the ambiguity that is associated with them? TRANSITIONS: HOW MUCH I STRUGGLE WITH THIS TOPIC We have not mastered the things with wh...

THE 1%, UPDATE ON MY PHYSICAL HEALTH For our check in, Alan and Katie share some of the things they're working on. Alan says he's been tapering off sugar. Katie: What's your 1% update? Alan: We need to have some episodes dedicated to actual physical health. HAVE YOU LOST WEIGHT WITH THIS DIET? Katie is training to become a leadership coach. She says being present with people is hard to...

KATIE'S FIRST HIKE IN THE GRAND CANYON A week from today, Katie will head to the Grand Canyon to hike the Rim to Rim with some friends. It ties in with this theme of health that we've talked about in a variety of ways. TAMING YOUR INNER CRITIC Today we're going to talk about taming our inner critic. Do we have one? And are there times it's beneficial? Are there times where that can...