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

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into empathy in medicine —why it matters, how it impacts patient care, and how it can actually make our work as physicians more fulfilling. We all want to be great doctors, but sometimes the fast pace of medicine makes it easy to fall into patterns of judgment, frustration, or detachment. This episode is all about shifting our perspective and l...

In this heartfelt episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra explore the profound difference between sympathy and empathy, inspired by Brené Brown’s  Atlas of the Heart.  With personal stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical takeaways, they unpack how empathy fosters connection while sympathy can unintentionally create distance. Dive into this conversation to learn how embracing empat...

In this episode of Drive Time Debrief , Amanda, Laura, and Kendra tackle the often-overlooked emotion of contempt and its significant impact on physicians, relationships, and the culture of care in medicine. Drawing on insights from Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart and Terry Real’s work on grandiosity and shame, they explore how contempt—whether directed outwardly or inwardly—fosters disconnection...

Exploring Terry Real's Us : Healing Through Connection and Recognizing the Inner Child   Episode Summary: In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra continue their mini-series based on Terry Real's book Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship . The focus is on recognizing how the "adaptive child" shows up in relationships, understanding the concept of relational trauma...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the concept of counterdependence—a form of hyper-independence often rooted in trauma or learned behaviors. We explore how counterdependence differs from healthy autonomy, the psychological roots of this defense mechanism, and how it impacts personal and professional relationships. The discussion highlights signs of counterdependence, such as reluctan...

  Episode Summary: In this episode of DriveTime Debrief , we explore the powerful practice of forest bathing , its scientifically-backed benefits, and how physicians can incorporate it into their busy lives. Originating in Japan in the 1980s, forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku , is a nature-immersion technique that has proven benefits for mental health, immune function, and cardiovascular well-b...

Podcast Show Notes Episode Title: From Pissed Off to Poised: Understanding Anger and Trauma with Dr. Arpita Gupta de Palma Episode Summary: Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Arpita Gupta de Palma, a pediatrician, trauma-informed physician coach, and podcaster. Dr. Arpita first joined us in 2022 to discuss anger (Episode 37), and now she’s back to dive even deep...

In this episode, we dive into practical and actionable strategies for fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Building on our previous discussions about losing and winning strategies in relationships, we share insights and real-life scenarios to help you create positive connections in your personal and professional life. Key Topics Covered: 1. Radical Self-Acceptance   Embrace you...

 In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Betsy Grunch, a board-certified neurosurgeon, mom, and social media sensation known as LadySpineDoc . Dr. Grunch shares her incredible journey—from growing up with a single mom, to becoming a leading figure in neurosurgery, to inspiring millions on Instagram and TikTok. She discusses how her mother’s spinal cord injury shaped her path, the impor...

In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra discuss winning strategies to improve relationships based on the work of renowned marriage therapist Terry Real. They explore how to move away from reactive, self-protective behaviors (losing strategies) and adopt proactive, compassionate approaches to foster deeper connection, trust, and resilience. Key Takeaways:  1. Shift from Complaint to Request...

In this episode, we tackle a common yet frustrating challenge: indecision. Even as professionals who excel in high-stakes environments, when it comes to personal or career decisions, we often find ourselves paralyzed. Why does this happen? How can we overcome it? Here’s what we cover: - Why indecision is so common – especially for high-achieving professionals accustomed to structured paths. - The...

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re diving into *Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship* by Terrence Real. This book has left a deep impact on all three of us, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra, and we're excited to share key insights on how to foster deeper connections in relationships. 1. The Three Selves in Relationships Terrence Real introduces the concepts of the "Wound...

System-Wide Remedies for Physician Burnout with with Stef Simmons, MD In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra welcome Dr. Stef Simmons, a board-certified emergency physician and the Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. Dr. Simmons shares her journey and discusses the critical work of the foundation, created to honor Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who tragical...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the second part of our series on “Losing Strategies” in relationships. We explore how certain behaviors undermine connection, create emotional distance, and hinder growth, drawing insights from renowned therapists Terry Real and Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife. We begin with a quick recap of the first episode and then introduce five additional “losing strategies”...

  Losing Strategies in Relationships In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into the first of two episodes on losing strategies in relationships, focusing on behaviors that harm intimacy and connection. Drawing from the work of renowned therapist Terry Real and psychologist Dr. Jennifer Finlayson Fife, the hosts break down five common maladaptive strategies that people often use, thi...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra share their excitement over a glowing five-star review from Dr. Lauren Anderson, MD, and dive into a discussion on repairing relationships with adults, inspired by the Gottman Institute’s research. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - The Gottman Method: John and Julie Gottman’s robust research on marriage and relationships ha...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into a crucial relationship skill: making repairs after conflicts or emotional disconnections. Inspired by a TED Talk from clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy, also known as Dr. Becky, they discuss why repairs are vital, especially between parents and children, though the principles apply to all relationships. Learn how to move beyond surface-leve...

In this episode, the hosts welcome Dr. Andrea Austin, an emergency physician and advocate for physician well-being, to discuss her new book 'Revitalized'. The conversation explores themes of hyperfunctioning and underfunctioning in medical culture, the challenges of mental health in both military and medical settings, the importance of emotional check-ins, and the role of humor in coping with the...

In this episode, we dive into the last chapter of Dan Buettner's book, Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer, Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth . He addresses ways that we can make longevity-promoting behaviors automatic for us.  We discuss his suggestions for optimizing our homes, kitchens, and bedrooms for the greatest chance of success. Resource: Blue Zones Books Link to Net...

In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra discuss the alarming rate of physician suicide and the need for increased awareness and support. They share the story of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who tragically took her own life after working tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts explore the factors that contribute to physician suicide, including the stigma around mental healt...

Creating Your Own Blue Zone – Food Guidelines for Longevity In this episode of the Blue Zones Book Club podcast, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into practical ways to create your own Blue Zone with a focus on nutrition and lifestyle. They discuss key habits and food guidelines that help people in Blue Zones around the world live longer, healthier lives. From adopting a plant-based diet to eating l...

Summary In this episode, Amanda, Kendra and Laura discuss the Blue Zone of Okinawa and the factors that contribute to the longevity and health of its residents. They highlight the importance of finding purpose in life, following a plant-based diet, relying on social support networks, and staying active. They also mention the traditional foods of Okinawa, such as purple sweet potatoes and tofu, whi...

Podcast Episode: Blue Zones Book Club – The Power Nine In this episode, we dive into the seventh installment of our Blue Zones Book Club, exploring the "Power Nine"—the nine habits identified by Dan Buettner in his book *The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth*. These habits, observed across five cultures on four continents, offer valuable insights int...

Blue Zones Book Club, Part 6 - Singapore Hosts: Amanda, Laura, and Kendra Episode Summary: In this episode, Amanda, Laura, and Kendra dive into the sixth installment of their Blue Zones book club, focusing on Singapore. Despite its urban environment, Singapore boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, proving that longevity isn't limited to rural, pastoral lifestyles. The hosts exp...

Beloved past-president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Dr. Gillian Schmitz joins us to discuss an emergency department accreditation program that aims to address systemic problems and reduce burnout in emergency medicine. The program proposes different levels of accreditation based on criteria such as staffing, supervision, social work support, and patient care resources. The goal...