Solving For Joy

When the world feels divided, dialogue breaks down, and “othering” becomes the language of the day—how do we return to what makes us most human? This week, I’m joined by internist, public health professional, and trauma-informed coach Dr. Kemia Sarraf , CEO of Lodestar Coaching, for a powerful conversation about choosing humanity, even in dark times. Together, we explore why joy, hope, and courage...

When medicine starts to feel like a factory line—and your smile no longer feels like your own—what then? I’m joined by integrative pediatric dermatologist, children’s book author, and founder of The Joyful Path, Dr. Meena Julapalli , for a conversation that sings with story, presence, and the reminder that joy is not a reward, but a practice. Meena shares her journey from academic burnout and 50-p...

When the “good doctor” script starts to feel too tight—and excitement won’t carry you through the week—what then? I’m joined by emergency physician, performance coach, and Physician Coaching Summit co-host Dr. Shideh Shafie for a grounded, joyful conversation on High-Vibe Sundays , why community is the evidence you’re not alone, and how to find a right-dose of clinical work that preserves meaning...

Content note: This episode includes discussion of burnout, panic attacks, insomnia, and a brief mention of suicidal thoughts (non-graphic). Please listen with care. When achievement stops feeling like joy—and the “perfect life” shows up with panic in tow—what then? I’m joined by surgeon, coach, and Surgeons with Purpose host Dr. Mel Thacker for a candid look at hero culture in medicine, fiduciary...

Content note: This episode includes mention of childhood sexual abuse (non-graphic). Please listen with care.  When loss feels unbearable—or when caring for others leaves us searching for answers—we may wonder if joy can still be found. Pediatric palliative care physician, Episcopal priest, and author Dr. Bob Macauley ( Because I Knew You ) joins Chrissie to explore how children and families facin...

When relationships feel hard—especially across differences—it might be time to rethink how we relate. What if joy isn’t always something to solve, but something we can allow? Relational facilitator James-Olivia Chu Hillman (Inquisitive Human; creator of REGARD) joins Chrissie to get precise—and playful—about desire, skill, and capacity; the four skills of relating; and the quiet ways “helping” tur...

When life is shattered by loss — especially sudden or violent loss — the path forward can feel impossible to see. Yet even in the deepest grief, joy can still find its way back in. Dr. Melissa “Red” Hoffman, MD, ND, FACS is a trauma surgeon, hospice and palliative care physician, and naturopathic doctor who has lived through unimaginable personal tragedy, including the violent deaths of loved ones...

When chronic symptoms don’t make sense and traditional answers fall short, it might be time to look within - at the connection between your brain, body, and emotions. Dr. Becca Kennedy, physician and founder of Resilience Healthcare, shares her journey from conventional medicine to a deeper exploration of the nervous system, neuroplasticity, and the emotional roots of chronic pain. In this eye-ope...

 If you've ever felt like the noise of life has been turned up too loud and the inner whisper of calm is getting harder to hear, this episode is for you. Dr. Rashmi Schramm—board-certified family physician turned meditation teacher, coach, and retreat leader—shares her powerful journey from traditional medicine to a life rooted in presence, purpose, and micro joy. In this candid conversation, she...

If you’re a healthcare professional who’s ever felt disconnected from your body, your purpose, or your joy—this episode is for you. Dr. Sonny Miles, palliative and integrative medicine physician, coach and founder of Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine, joins Dr. Chrissie Ott for a deeply reflective conversation about what it means to live and practice with intention. Drawing from her own...

If you’ve ever felt like joy is just out of reach - especially in the aftermath of trauma - this conversation is for you. Dr. Mary Catherine McDonald, research professor, trauma expert, and author of The Joy Reset - joins us to break down the science and soul of joy. With deep compassion and clarity, she shares what trauma really does to the brain, how joy can be reclaimed, and why healing doesn’t...

If you’ve ever felt burned out, out of alignment, or unsure how to reconnect with your joy - this episode is for you. Dr. Stacy Cisneros, physician, healer, and guide, joins us to share her journey from the depths of medical burnout to discovering new paths of self-understanding and emotional healing. Through practices like Infinity Healing and Human Design, Stacy has redefined what healing looks...

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of a camera—or struggled to see yourself as worthy of being seen—this episode is for you. Rachel Marie Castillo, confidence coach and portrait photographer, joins us to share how photography can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and self-acceptance. Through her unique blend of artistry and emotional support, Rachel helps her clients reconnect w...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your medical career—or wondered if there’s more to life than the traditional path—this episode is for you. Dr. Una, board-certified pediatrician, entrepreneur, and CEO of EntreMD, joins us to share how she went from feeling boxed in by medicine to building a thriving business that empowers thousands of physicians.  In this episode, you’ll learn: What med school didn’t...

If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of fertility struggles—whether personally or alongside a patient—this episode is for you. Dr. Erica Bove, reproductive endocrinologist and certified coach, joins us to talk about the emotional weight of fertility medicine—and how compassion, community, and curiosity can transform the journey. Drawing from her own experiences with moral injury in medicine, Erica s...

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more joy and authenticity to your work in medicine—this episode is for you. Dr. Santi Tanikella, integrative pediatrician and coach, joins us to talk about what it really means to infuse your life and career with joy, purpose, and presence. Through her transformative work in integrative pediatrics and coaching, Santi is helping healthcare professionals rediscov...

If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain your energy and joy while caring for others, this episode is for you.  Dr. Paul Yutan—a physician, acupuncturist, and passionate advocate for holistic healing—knows firsthand what it’s like to feel burned out and disconnected from your purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why finding your Ikigai can unlock greater satisfaction and purpose in your career Ho...

If you’re craving a deeper sense of joy that lasts beyond the good days, this episode is for you. Dr. Kelly Holder—Chief Well-being Officer at Brown University, clinical psychologist, and passionate mental health advocate—shares what it means to hold space for others while learning to prioritize her own well-being. In this powerful conversation you’ll hear real talk about the personal growth that...

If you’ve ever silenced parts of yourself to fit in or be heard, don’t miss this conversation. In this heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation, Chrissie Ott sits down with speaker, coach, and performer Cesar Cervantes to explore the joy of showing up as your true self—on stage, and in life. From stand-up comedy to coaching world-class speakers, Cesar has learned that the most powerful stories c...

If you’ve ever been cracked open by grief and wondered how to keep going—this episode is for you. You’ll hear the powerful story of Dr. Sasha Shillcutt—a cardiac anesthesiologist, leader, and mother—who has walked through heartbreak, cyberbullying, and profound transformation, and come out the other side with a deeper understanding of joy, community, and courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: How...

What it means to be held together in the face of deep loss—and how sharing our stories helps us heal. In this episode, Chrissie Ott sits down with Dr. Rebecca Thompson, author of Held Together, for a moving, deeply human exploration of motherhood, grief, creativity, and connection. With raw honesty and quiet strength, Rebecca shares how loss shaped her—and how storytelling helped her heal. In this...

If you’ve been craving more peace, purpose, and presence in your life—you’re not alone.  This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering what’s next… and whether more is really the answer. Dr. Jessie Mahoney—a pediatrician, physician coach, wellness consultant, and founder of Pause and Presence Coaching—will share how she has cultivated spaces through retreats and coaching that help...

If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world and still showed up with a smile—this episode is for you. Dr. Chrissie Ott and Sheletta Brundidge go deep into the kind of joy that doesn’t come easy—but is all the more powerful because of it. From middle school friendship to the reality of raising black sons in America, this conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. You’ll hear how childhood lesson...

If you’ve ever wondered how to add joy to your workday—this episode is for you. Dr. Anni Shandera-Ochsner is an assistant professor of psychology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the medical director of Joy at Mayo Clinic. In this conversation with Dr. Chrissie Ott, she opens up about what it really takes to build a culture of joy in some of the most high-pressure environments. You’ll hear w...

If you’re a healthcare professional who’s ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or unseen—this episode is for you.   Kim Downey, physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being, joins us to talk about what it really takes to thrive in medicine. As the founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors, an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and Community A...