Finding the Balance with Loni and Christine

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why the more you learn, the less confident you sometimes feel? In this episode, we explore the fascinating relationship between imposter syndrome, the natural progression of skill acquisition, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. We discuss why beginners often overestimate their abilities, why developing expertise can paradoxically lead to self-doubt, and how grow...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we’re catching up and taking you behind the scenes of what’s been happening since our last release. We share a candid update on the realities of PA education right now, both in the classroom and beyond it, and reflect on the evolving landscape that faculty, students, and clinical educators are navigating. We also dive into the “invisible work” that often goes unn...

Send us Fan Mail We’re back after some time away and reflecting on what it means to grow—personally and professionally. In this episode, we catch up and unpack the art (and discomfort) of giving and receiving feedback, how to navigate self-doubt, and why imposter syndrome tends to show up right when you’re leveling up. A candid conversation about learning to trust yourself in the process. It’s nic...

Send us Fan Mail Perimenopause and menopause are often framed as problems to fix, but they are natural life transitions, not diseases. In this episode, we explore how diet, movement, and physical activity can support overall well-being during this transition, while acknowledging that experiences vary widely and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We also take a closer look at how menopause is...

Send us Fan Mail The transition from didactic coursework to the clinical year is a major milestone in PA training and comes with new expectations, both academic and professional. In this episode, we discuss how learning shifts from memorization to clinical reasoning, what it means to be an active learner in patient care settings, and how to adapt to real-world clinical decision-making. We also exp...

Send us Fan Mail As we step into a new year, we pause to reflect on where we’ve been, who we’ve become, and where we hope we’re headed, professionally and personally. In this episode, we look back at the challenges, lessons, and moments of growth from the past year in clinical practice and PA education. We talk honestly about what stretched us, what surprised us, what inspired us, and how those ex...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into another round of student questions—this time tackling some of the most human and challenging parts of working in healthcare. From navigating moral angst and ethical uncertainty to understanding what professional behavior really looks like in high-stress clinical environments, we unpack the dilemmas students are already encountering in their training....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into questions submitted by one of our PA students — sparking an honest conversation about life in clinical practice. We share some of our own experiences working as PAs, reflect on lessons learned along the way, and discuss how we approach emerging research and evolving guidelines in medicine. Whether you’re a student figuring out your clinical identity o...

Send us Fan Mail What started as a conversation about creatine supplements turned into a deeper dive into the world of supplement overload and information fatigue. In this episode, we unpack how marketing often outpaces actual science, why it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by “expert” advice, and how to think critically when navigating health claims. From gym trends to the supplement aisle, we expl...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we dive into the recent headlines linking Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism - what the science says, what it doesn't, and why stories like these so often grab attention. Beyond the specifics of this story, we talk about the bigger challenge: navigating a nonstop news cycle and the constant flood of opinions on social media. How do we stay informed without feeling...

Send us Fan Mail We’ve all heard the phrase, “correlation does not equal causation,” but what does that really mean in practice? In this episode, we break down one of the most fundamental concepts in critical thinking, research, and clinical decision-making: the difference between things that happen together and things that actually cause one another. From funny real-world examples (ice cream sale...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the science of how learning happens—and how that science applies to the unique challenges of PA education. We explore key learning and development theories, from Bloom’s Taxonomy to Conscious Competence and the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition. Then we bring theory to life by connecting it with evidence-based learning strategies that support PA stud...

Send us Fan Mail Transitions—whether chosen or unexpected—are some of the most challenging and transformative periods in life. In this episode, we explore what it means to be in the “in-between,” when one chapter has closed and the next hasn’t fully begun. From career changes and graduations to breakups, relocations, and identity shifts, we talk about the emotional terrain of change, the uncertain...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into one of the most personal and pivotal decisions every PA student faces—choosing a clinical career path. From emergency medicine to family practice, surgery to psychiatry, each rotation offers a glimpse into what your future could look like. But how do you reflect on these experiences in a meaningful way? How do your personal values, lifestyle goals, an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down the buzz around dietary fiber—what it is, why it's essential, and how it affects everything from your gut health to your cholesterol levels. We'll explore the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, common myths, and practical tips for getting more fiber into your meals without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're a nutrition new...

Send us Fan Mail If we were asked to deliver a commencement speech, what would we say? In this reflective episode, we step up to the podium and imagine addressing a graduating class—sharing thoughts on achievement, growth, and what it really means to move forward in life. We celebrate milestones but also challenge the idea of “peaking” at any one moment. Because life isn’t about a single triumph—i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dig into the movement to ban food dyes in the United States — what they are, why some countries have already banned them, and how they might be affecting our health more than we realize. But as always, we take a few detours. This episode isn't just about additives and artificial colors — it's about the bigger picture: What does it really mean to be he...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the real challenge of maintaining balance when life feels overwhelming. While wellness advice often sounds simple — breathe, rest, move, stay positive — actually putting it into action during stressful times can feel almost impossible. We explore why stress makes even basic self-care feel so hard, how to recognize when you're slipping out of...

Send us Fan Mail Can the way we think actually change the way things turn out? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between mindset and results—how your outlook can influence not just how you feel about challenges, but how you perform through them. From the science of optimism and the placebo effect to real-world stories of resilience and reframing, we explore how perspective c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down for a candid conversation about the current state of the US healthcare system. From the challenges of navigating insurance and access to care to the ongoing workforce shortages and burnout, we share our frontline perspectives. We'll also dive into how recent policy changes impact patient care and what innovations might shape the future. Whether yo...

Send us Fan Mail We’ve all heard of fight or flight, but stress responses go far beyond that. Some people shut down, some take charge, and others people-please their way through a crisis. So why do we all react so differently? In this episode, we explore the complex, individualized nature of stress responses. From neurological wiring and past experiences to cultural influences and personality trai...

Send us Fan Mail Are infrared light panels, masks, and saunas the future of wellness—or just another health trend? In this episode, we separate fact from fad, diving into the research behind these popular therapies. We explore how infrared light therapy claims to boost skin health, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair—does the science back it up? Then, we turn up the heat on saunas, ex...

Send us Fan Mail PA school is a challenging journey, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can do more than just survive—you can thrive! In this episode, we break down the keys to excelling in your didactic and clinical years, from mastering time management and study techniques to building resilience and preventing burnout. Whether you’re just starting PA school or deep in the trenches, t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack the secrets behind staying motivated and finding satisfaction at work. What fuels your fire—passion, purpose, or recognition? We break down how motivation works, share tips for staying energized through challenges, and explore ways to create a more fulfilling work environment. Whether you’re looking for more meaning in your job or aiming to boost your ha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we dig into the connection between vitamin D and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), examining how reduced sunlight can lead to lower vitamin D levels and mood changes. While many turn to supplements for relief, we explore why they may not always be the answer. Instead, we highlight the importance of mindset, daily habits, and Holistic strategies to support mental w...