Shows
Love and Science FertilityNavigating Uncertainty: A Palliative Care Perspective on the Fertility Journey with Dr. Faryal MichaudToday Dr. Faryal Michaud shares her immense wisdom from years of taking care of patients with unexpected diagnoses and often at the end of life:the importance of balancing grief and gratitudewhy some people need to plan as a coping strategythe importance of curiosity and compassionletting go of expectationsgetting clarityrunning the mile you are inDr. Faryal Michaud is a Board Certified Palliative Care Physician, Life and Wellness coach living and practicing in Hawaii. She hopes that by teaching people the power of mindfulness and stillness, we can all experience our life to the fullest extent without...
2024-11-2130 min
Point Me To First Class69. Dream Travel and the Reverse Bucket List with Dr. Faryal MichaudWhether it's sipping champagne in first class, watching the sunset in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, or enjoying access to the best first-class airport lounges, there are some aspirational redemptions that always seem to get the most attention from points enthusiasts. But before you can turn your travel dreams into reality using points, you need to first uncover what your unique wish list looks like. That's exactly what my guest this week is here to discuss. Tune in this week to start uncovering not only what you want to get out of points travel b...
2024-06-2431 min
Thriving As A Physician: How to Lose Weight & Love Your LifeCreating an Amazing 2023 Part 1: Interview With Dr. Faryal Michaud and Dr. Latifat AkintadeLearn how to create an amazing 2023 from top physician coaches! In this 4 part series, I am sitting down with some of the best physician coaches to chat about how they approach the new year. These interviews are loaded with powerful tips you can apply in your life. Be sure to listen to all of them! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Faryal Michaud and Dr. Latifat Akintade. Learn more about Dr. Faryal Michaud at https://www.drfaryal.com Learn more about Dr. Latifat Akintade at https://www.moneyfitmd.com
2023-01-0943 min
Wealthy Mom MD Podcast130: How to Be an Agent of Change with Dr. Faryal MichaudFor today's episode, I have a very special guest: Dr. Faryal Michaud. We've been friends for some time, and she has a story to share that is important not just for the women of Iran, but for people all over the world. Dr. Faryal Michaud is sharing why what's been happening in Iran is something we need to know about, and why the people of Iran want us to have these conversations. Get full show notes and more information here: https://wealthymommd.com/130
2022-10-0633 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""It's going to be ok"If you are faced with a life changing diagnosis, Troy Strawhecker has a message for you: "It's going to be ok." But he'll tell you: 30 years ago he almost didn't make it. As a young adult, he was diagnosed and had to go through the treatment of, not one, but two type of cancers. I really wanted to have him share his story. He is such a genuine and good hearted friend. When he looks back at his life, he can be vulnerable to break the stereotype of what surviving cancer does and d...
2022-08-231h 08
"Write Your Best Chapter""Hala's choice"You may know her as the mother of all support groups for women physicians in the world. Dr. Hala Sabry-Elnaggar may need no introduction, but she is the person who has single-handedly created the most meaningful community for physicians all over the world. Today's episode will be a great introduction to how her mind works: One decision at a time. She has faced personal tragedies and adversities with that simple rule. When her mother was dying of cancer, she made Hala promise her to this one thing... Listen more to learn. To learn more about her Reconstructive Breast surgeon...
2022-08-1458 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Rest Day"When faced with a serious illness, we are forced to stop and pivot. We change how we eat, we change how we move through life and how we manage our relationships. What if you made that stop before you got sick? If you are a runner, there are 'rest days' that are intentionally planted in running programs so you avoid injury. How about in your life? Do you have rest days, weeks or hours in your life to allow for yourself to recover and avoid injury? I hope this week's episode allows you to give yourself permission to pause...
2022-07-3025 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Where are you from?"In life, we are going to meet a lot of people. As physicians, we will meet many patients along the way. There are many good questions that we can ask which will foster understanding and connection. One question that does neither is "Where are you from?". Today is the 33rd year anniversary of when I permanently moved to the United States of America. While I have lived all over the US, no matter where I go, I always get asked this question. In the interest of saying what we mean and meaning what we say, I will share with...
2022-07-1121 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Who cares for the care givers?"I remember when I first heard about hospice, I thought it was only for patients dying of cancer. But then, what about millions of others who are dying a very slow and unseen death of brain failure? What do we do with and for dementia patients? So much of the actual care is carried and delivered by the unsung heros of the stories: Families and care givers. My guest today, Amy Shaw, is a brilliant and compassionate Physician Assistant that will guide us through what we know and what we should know. Feel free to share this episode with...
2022-06-1157 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Summer Reset"We were all getting excited for the summer. That's when my daughter came down with COVID. I remember in residency my chief used to say: If it's not one thing it's another. And sometimes it's one another after another. We are confused about our plans when the unexpected happens. What if we used all those bumps and unexpected events as intentions to navigate life with more ease and contentment? I want that for all of us. That's why I am inviting you to sign up for my Summer Reset: 5 days of consecutive coaching to manage our minds around all that...
2022-06-0324 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Thoughts and Prayers"In light of this week's tragedy of the mass shooting that took place in Texas, I wanted to offer you peaceful advice you can use. A starbucks Barista in Uvalde, the city the shooting took place, asked the customer if they were caring for themselves in this time of unimaginable loss. The customer asked the same questions in return. That's when the Barista shared that she works in San Antonio, but decided to come help so the Starbucks workers in Uvalde could have the day off to grieve. "Love in Action" means that there are th...
2022-05-2726 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Tennis Balls in the Park"How do you manage grief? Does your pain go away if you avoid it? Should you try to 'have a different way of looking at your life'? Does being in denial of the loss that has happened to your life help you move forward? How can you be sad and be grateful at the same time? In this episode, we will talk about all type of losses: Loss of a dog, a life that could have been and the loss of a future that you will never have. I hope you enjoy this episode. Interested in joining...
2022-05-2127 min"Write Your Best Chapter""It's not raining on YOU"My dad had a saying that I have been telling my kids for years. "It's raining: it's not raining on YOU". This week's podcast I want to teach you about a mindset shift that will change your entire weather, without the help of anyone. There are things we have no control over in life: Like how the weather in Hawaii will be on our anniversary trip. Then, there are things we have absolute control over: Like how the internal weather is going to be like when the weather is terrible in Hawaii. Let me help you pivot to have...
2022-05-1421 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Loving What Is"Some people wonder: 'Now that I am cancer free, how should I live my life?'. I get asked this question by my clients. They want to know how they can stop sweating the small stuff and appreciate life more fully now that they are out of the woods. The truth is, there is no out of the woods. There is also no 'in the woods'. If you are able to live your life from a place of 'There is no there, there', you are so much more likely to live every minute fully exactly as your life was...
2022-05-0628 min"Write Your Best Chapter""I stand corrected"I often say, "Aging is a privilege denied to many." When I say this, I am trying to make my patients, and clients have some perspective that it's ok to get older and there is celebration in the very fact that we lived long enough to be here this moment. But, this week, I want to share the story of my client, who misses her beautiful singing voice. With her permission, I am sharing the beautiful song of Lucy Simon who's a reminder to all of us that we can celebrate our current life as well as grieving the...
2022-04-3021 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Not All Heroes Wear Cape"Boston Marathon is probably one of my most favorite athletic events in the US. It's an opportunity for those of us who live an ordinary life, partcipate in an extra ordinary event. Running in the same path of the world's elite athletes with the best spectators yelling out your name is the most magical experience ever. Except when someone does more than an extraordinary act of running: my guest today not only ran the Boston Marathon that day, he got to save a life. Listen to his inspiring story.
2022-04-2233 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""A Lucid Coversation"When patients get ready to go into the operating room, they often want 'everything' done. Unfortunately, sometimes, this conversations leads to a very prolonged and painful experience in the hospital. Sometimes they make it out alive, and sometimes they don't. My guest today will focus on what it means to have these conversations well. Dr. Kim Fischer is a physician anesthesiologist and the founder of Lucid. To learn more about her amazing program please check her out at www.lucidadvocate.com
2022-04-1555 min"Write Your Best Chapter""We Are Not Ok"This is not an April's Fools Day Joke. This week, as I congratulate all my physician colleagues on National Doctor's Day, I'd like to talk to you about an unspoken truth: More and more, physicians are struggling with burnout and mental health issues, and more and more, they are either ignoring it, or getting 'underground' help. Not wanting to receive mental health help from their own medical group, from the fear of being reported to their medical boards, they are walking a slippery slope. More than 1/5 of actively practicing physicians are considering leaving medicine. These are the facts. We...
2022-04-0128 min
BOSS Business of Surgery SeriesEpisode 19: Write your last chapter with palliative medicine physician Dr. Faryal MichaudThe latest podcast episode is with Dr. Faryal Michaud - a palliative medicine physician who is elevating the practice of palliative care. She encouraged us to start having these conversations early.
"If every life is a book, then the last chapter matters."
The first role of the palliative physician is to find out where the patient is at in their knowledge of the situation.
The palliative physician cares for not just the patient, but the family as well.
They explain what "everything" looks like, when the patient and family say they want "everyt...
2022-03-2844 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Life & Death Coach"You may not know my back story. When I was interviewed for Dex Randall's podcast "Burnout to Leadership", it occured to me that I shared some valuable advice for everyone to hear. I think these pearls are helpful for my own audience as well. What is it that peoplel don't know about end of life? Do I have any words of advice? Also, what is on MY bucket list? I hope you'll enjoy this candid conversation. Also, there's still time to sign up for the "Out with the Old" workshop. Go to www.drfaryal.com/spring to sign up.
2022-03-2542 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Working to Death"There are no trophies for working ourselves to death. Yet, we keep showing up, working harder than the day before as opposed to pausing and pivoting to focus on our own well being and mental health. My guest today is a poster child of someone who turned his life around after not one by 2 near death experiences. Host of the podcast "Burnout to Leadership", Dex Randall is a brilliant and compassionate human that will tell you his life story to be inspired. Reach out to him at www.dexrandall.com
2022-03-1858 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Parenting with no expectations"Welcome to a Masterclass in parenting. More importantly, welcome to an episode to answer all of your questions around adoption: what to say, what not to say, who should adopt, who shoudn't, and if you are considering adoption what are some advanced planning you should consider before getting started. Join my truly dear friend and an execptional psychotherapist Kristine Altwies, who is a mother of 5 children and the CEO of A Family Tree, for a one of a kind discussion. Learn more at www.afamilytree.org
2022-03-1156 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Ukraine: What you CAN do"In a special episode, I share my message of hope about what you CAN do in times of war and disaster. I reach out to my regular listeners in Ukraine, Russia and Poland to extend my love. I also reach out to the audience about what you can do at this moment to take some actions so that you are able to take away some level of human suffering, the best way you know how. Please email the support person at St. Jude's hospital if you are able to help Jennifer.McArthur@STJUDE.ORG
2022-03-0410 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Sex and Your Best Life"Sexual health is a very important part of our overall health. What happens when we are struck by an illness? Does sex have to take the back seat or do we get a chance to enjoy a meaningful pleasure filled sexual existence no matter how old or how ill? You may already know the answer to this, but listen to this week's episode to learn more about this topic based on my discussion with a dear colleague and sex educator Dr. Kelly Casperson the creator of the wildly popular podcast "You are not broken".
2022-02-2549 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Why I Left My Job"You don't have to do anything you don't want to be doing. Financial independence that comes from a place of intentional relationship with how we save and spend money allows us a freedom unlike any other. If you have this one life, how would you spend it? What is a purpose driven life look like? Would you stay in a job if it was not aligned with your values and goals? What would you do instead? How would you pick your next job?
2022-02-1829 min"Write Your Best Chapter""A World Without Cancer"One of my favorite artists is a Rwandan/Belgian singer named Stromae. He has a song called "Quand c'est?" In French it means when is it, but it pronounced as: Cancer. I have clients who are cancer survivors who keep thinking that they are about to have cancer again. I have patients who have cancer who are in denial that they are dying from it. In this episode, on the World Cancer Day, I am taking my voice to empower you to ask for Palliative Care as being part of your cancer treatment. To work with me as a...
2022-02-0424 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""The Miracle of Miles- Part 2"Not only did Deborah decide to honor her son's life by donating his organs while he was alive. But she was able to have the clarity of mind to write a letter to his organ donor recepients letting them know they should not feel guilty. This type of love and generosity is almost unheard of. Listen to her story as she shares more details about what she went through. To learn more about her check her podcast here To donate to Mile's Memorial for his school's robotic program, go here.
2022-01-2832 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""The Miracle of Miles" Part 1In this very special episode, I invite back my dear friend and previous guest on this show, Dr. Deborah Butzbach, a radiation oncologist and a grieving mother who lost her 13 year old son due to an accident. Her decision to donate Miles's organs as he was in the ICU touched me deeply and I believe it is a story worth telling. I hope you enjoy this two part series.
2022-01-2822 min"Write Your Best Chapter""False Alarm"Have you had any close calls? Car crash, massive heart attack, near drowning, the list can go on an on? What about an urgent text that you were going to get hit by a missile? What would you do? What goes through your mind? Then, right after that... Do you shift gears and decide to live your life with a bit more purpose? I wonder if this makes you hold onto or let go of life easier. I hope this week's podcast can create some good food for thoughts for you. Learn more on www.drfaryal.com
2022-01-1519 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Growth Through Resistance"The truth is we don't want anything to change. We don't want to be getting older. We don't want to lose the ones we love. We certainly don't want to be grieving the loss of those we love. Unfortunately, life has other plans in store for us. In the beginning of a year that follows a very difficult year for us all, it's my pleasure to share with a resource and a vision about growth through loss and grief. AmarAtma Khalsa is a board certified Chaplain and a Grief Coach. You will love listening to him and his sense...
2022-01-1048 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Circle Around The Sun"It's the New Year's Eve in the US. Some people are anxious. They had set some goals and aspirations for themselves and here's one more year that nothing panned out, truly. So where do we go from here? If you think about it, end of the year is actually an arbitrary assignment. In my part of the world, the year ends the day before the spring solstice. So, if it helps you, you have until March 20th of next year to get anything done. Jokes aside, I will share with you my reflection that it's better to look at...
2022-01-0123 min"Write Your Best Chapter""The Right Time and The Right Place"It's Christmas Eve. Where do you live? Do you have a white Christmas? If you don't, does it even matter to you? We all have ideas about what life should and should not be like. It turns out, we think the same thoughts about end of life. When we should and should not be dying. It has been my experience that if people had a say in their last days, no one wants to die this time of the year. They don't want to leave bad memories for their loved ones around this time of the year. What if...
2021-12-2425 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Take It All In"When it's your birthday, do you get a cake with a candle on top to make a wish? If you don't, what happened? How is that no longer a special day for you? I have learned that as we get older, we start taking our days and even amazing celebrations for granted. When the end of the year comes around, we start looking at how the year didn't go so well. How we fell short and didn't accomplish so much. How we, once again, did not stick to our plan and failed to lose the weight. In this episode...
2021-12-1820 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Do It Anyway"This holiday season, people are going to drive you mad. They will say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, behave in a way that you want to come undone. In this episode I will teach you how to feel instant love NO MATTER how people behave. If you make your experience of feeling love "conditional" on how others behave, you are the one who will suffer. In this special episode, I will share one of my lessons that I had put together for my group coaching. I hope it helps you, too. Share this with others you think...
2021-12-1025 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""The Mother of Modern Medicine"Stranger than science fiction: In 1951 a new cell line were discovered that seemed to be immortal. These cells became the mainstay of scientific research, leading to more than 110,000 published studies as well as 3 Nobel Prizes. They were simply known as HeLa Cells. Her name was Henrietta Lacks; a 31 year old mother of 5 from Baltimore, Maryland who later died of an aggressive form of cervical cancer. In today's episode, we will talk about how while she had contributed so much to science and technology, her descendants struggle with educational debts attending same Universities that have used her cell lines for...
2021-12-0354 min"Write Your Best Chapter""LOML: The Mystery Guest"I call him LOML: Love of My Life. Others know him as my husband, Anthony Michaud MD, PhD. He's a Radiation Oncologist, but I think he's mostly a Windsurfer. You have heard me talk about him on and off on this podcast. On Thanksgiving Day, I decided to interview him for this special episode. Right after he beat me in a game of Scrabble by 20 points or so. He's an amazing human being. I love that he is so clear about what he does and does not want out of this life. He knows his priorities and tries to...
2021-11-2553 min"Write Your Best Chapter""LOML: The Mystery Guest"I call him LOML: Love of My Life. Others know him as my husband, Anthony Michaud MD, PhD. He's a Radiation Oncologist, but I think he's mostly a Windsurfer. You have heard me talk about him on and off on this podcast. On Thanksgiving Day, I decided to interview him for this special episode. Right after he beat me in a game of Scrabble by 20 points or so. He's an amazing human being. I love that he is so clear about what he does and does not want out of this life. He knows his priorities and tries to...
2021-11-2553 min"Write Your Best Chapter"'Your One Perfect Life"Eckhart Tolle once said: "Tell me what is the problem in your life this very moment?". My podcast was created for you to ponder that very question. Whether you are struck by an illness or you are just overwhelmed with the weight of the world at this very second, ask yourself: "How is my life perfect this very moment?". I had set out to create that sense of awareness and peace when I started this podcast. Today, I will share with you a feedback that touched me very deeply. I hope you enjoy this episode. You can always learn...
2021-11-1925 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Amy Creates Her Own Happiness"Ready for the most amazing story? When a 35 year old professional woman, who is not in a relationship, decides to adopt her own children, she makes a plan. She will contact men on a dating service every single day, and go on 3 dates a week to meet the potential father of her children. Can you imagine it? You have to hear my friend's story. If you are stuck or are wondering if there is anyone out there for you, this podcast is for you. In coaching, I teach my clients that whatever results you want to create, you simply...
2021-11-1244 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Mourning in Minneapolis"Everytime someone young dies, we wonder how life could be so unfair. For every child who dies of terrible cancer, there are people who question their faith or meaning of life altogether. The truth is, life does not owe us anything. It does not owe us a happy ending. It does not owe us a long and healthy stretch. In this very special episode, as I actively mourn the loss of a very dear friend who was murdered last week, I will share with you that at the end of the day: this is life. No guarantees. No promises...
2021-11-0529 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Leaving on a High Note"Do you feel like you're about to snap? Leave your relationship, leave your job, or leave your profession altogether? You are not alone. Many people are walking in your shoes at this very moment. In this week's episode, I want to teach a lesson that will provide you peace of mind whether you decide to stay or leave. On my 16th Anniversary, let me give you the gift of perspective so you live your life from a place of love no matter what decision you make. For more go to www.drfaryal.com
2021-10-2918 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Sisters and Best Friends"My favorite episode is right here. My own sister is my best friend. In December of 2020, Dr. Kim Kaffenbarger decided to sign up for my program. She asked her sister, who happens to be her best friend, to follow along with her. 9 months later, they remain the best of friends and share their journey of self transformation with us all. You do not want to miss this episode. For more information about the program go to http://www.drfaryal.com
2021-10-2253 min
In FocusHow To Live Intentionally With Dr. Faryal MichaudHave trouble living in the moment? As busy, working moms, many of us struggle with living an intentional life while also staying present. Host, Dr. Rupa Wong interviews guest Dr. Faryal Michaud, a palliative care physician, who draws from her experiences of caring for patients at the end of their lives to embolden us to make the most of ours. Listen to Dr. Faryal Michaud's Podcast 'Write Your Last Chapter' And to learn more about Dr. Michaud's coaching program (which is AMAZING): www.drfaryal.com Daily Checklist Freebie: www.drrupawong.com/daily-checklist
2021-10-1950 min"Write Your Best Chapter""After the Why: Here's the HOW"We all need help. No matter what your mission in life is, we can all get better at things we don't know much about. Even the best of the best athletes have their own coaches. Creating a vision and then learning how to make it a reality requires some outside help. In this week's special BONUS episode, meet my outside help. Bobby Klinck is a breath of fresh air: A Harvard Lawyer turned into a coach for online business, you would love his story. He has been my personal Marketing and Business Coach and he has a heart of...
2021-10-141h 04"Write Your Best Chapter""Repairing The World"One of my favorite learnings I have picked up by having Jewish friends is the concept of Tikkun Olam. I am sure many other religions and belief systems have a similar teaching. It is the idea that we were born to not simply go through life. We were born with an intention to "Repair This World". If you were to look at your life like that, what would be your purpose? How would YOU repair this world? We often refer to this as our "WHY". There is so much confusion about what our why needs to be. I am...
2021-10-1430 min"Write Your Best Chapter""What is Essential?"If you could only focus on what matters, what would that be? Do you even know? Sometimes we don't know because the outside noise is too loud. Remember getting interrupted in the middle of dinner by a telemarketer when we had landlines? Now that we don't have landlines, what interrupts your peace of mind? Could it be the constant uninvited but ever present social media? For the month of October, I have given up social media for a Digital Detox. I think that I may stick with it long term. Tune in to learn more. Reach out to me...
2021-10-0830 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Unconditional Love"This week's episode is a very special one. When you think about grief and loss, are you thinking human loss? Have you ever lost a pet? Do you know someone who has lost a pet? How did it feel? We are just as speechless when a loved pet dies, but I think it's even harder to find the words. Sometimes, what we say is wrong. Join my dear guest Dr. Pegah Mehdizadeh as she mourns the loss of her precious Pashmak and Bijou. To learn more about resources to help with the loss of a pet, please visit: www.r...
2021-10-0148 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Shara's Search For Meaning"We all have a story. How we get to tell those stories matter. Shara Turner is a tremendous human being who has set herself up to make impactful changes in lives of those touched by Trauma. How we see addiction will in turn lead to how we interact with those who suffer with addiction. Join me in this in depth discussion about how addiction is surviving in its most primitive way. Shara's interview will touch you deeply and I hope you will share it with those who could use this message.
2021-09-2444 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Bending not Breaking"In the year 2020, 42% of physicians reported feeling burnt out. Roughly one physician dies every day by suicide which is double the rate of general population. There is help. Sometimes we need to reach out, sometimes we need to reflect, be mindful, and help ourselves become more resilient. Sometimes we need to live a more aligned life with our values and purpose. Sometimes we need to focus on a greater good which helps us get a different perspective on life altogether. My "Living Intentionally" Coaching and mindfulness program sets the stage to help you get there. Learn more at www...
2021-09-1727 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Say Goodbye to Good Intentions"We all know what we have to do to get to what we want in life. The question is: Why don't we? As a palliative care physician I see quite a bit of regret at the end of life. I am here as a quick warning shot for you. There is still time. You get to show up in your life the way you have always wanted to... If, you agree to be ready to fail. If, you can manage your mind around being ok for things not to turn out the way you were planning. Can you do...
2021-09-1028 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Cheryl's Only Regret"Where do we get our compassion from? Where does it come from? This week I have a great friend and a wonderful nurse to tell us just that. Cheryl Nicponski is a Doctor's Nurse. That's a term I coined everytime I worked with a nurse who could have just as well been a doctor. She is bright, compassionate and a fierce advocate for all sorts of equality. It is my pleasure to have you listen to her story and learn how she gets be who she is and she keeps going. You will really enjoy listening to her.
2021-09-0342 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""In a Wetsuit Under an Umbrella"How do you live your life? Did you know that no matter what kind of hand life deals you, you get to decide? You can be travelling to a tropical island to go diving and be caught in torrential rain. You get to love it. My guest this week is a Radiation Oncologist and a cancer survivor life coach. Not only does she live her life intentionally every single day, she also gets to hold space for all who struggle to live a full life after being diagnosed with cancer. It may not be easy, but she is equipped...
2021-08-2641 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Here We Go Again"Compassion Fatigue. It means we are tired of caring. We can no longer give since we have been giving so long. The hospitals are full. There are no more ICU beds. Some hospitals are even turning away unvaccinated people. In this episode, I share some of my ways to manage our mind in these trying times. We can continue to love and care for unvaccinated people. They have done nothing wrong. Please take a listen.
2021-08-2025 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""A Beautiful Farewell"Have you heard of a Birth Doula? Doulas have been around for thousands of years. They were essentially female companion for supportive purposes. It seems to me, there is no better time to take advantage of this support than when faced with end of life. Join me as I interview Janie Rakow who tells me about this amazing profession. You will find her at www.FareWellDoula.com for any question or interest you may have. I hope you enjoy this episode.
2021-08-131h 01"Write Your Best Chapter""Cost of Not Living"In financial world, we talk about "Cost of Living" quite a bit. When deciding to move somewhere, we often mention how it's not a good idea to go somewhere because the cost of living is higher. How about life? When deciding to go one way or another at a crossroad, try thinking of "Cost of NOT Living". On this anniversary episode, I will share how we decided to adopt a dog even though everyone was trying to talk us out of it. Attending to the need of our new family member took priority over timeliness of this podcast release...
2021-08-0928 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Philadelphia: City of Brotherly Love"Would you have dinner with someone you thought was racist? Is there any opportunity for a meaningful dialogue with those we disagree with. I worry that social media, or any media for that matter, is making us antisocial. We have become so quick to judge, unfollow, unfriend and categorize people in buckets we can understand. No matter what your political belief is, I invite you to listen to how we can reach out to one another and find love and common ground. I truly hope this episode helps you to close the gap.
2021-07-3024 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Loving Yourself As You Are"We live in a world that creates expectations in our heads as what it means to be happy: We should get married and have children to know the true meaning of happiness. What if we can't? If we are unable for whatever reason, what does that mean about our chance of happiness the way society makes us feel? It is my pleasure to introduce Jenn, my mindfulness and yoga instructor, to you this week. Learn how a successful Marine Ecologist used mindfulness and yoga to tap into what it means to be whole- just as you are.
2021-07-221h 07"Write Your Best Chapter""Chasing Squirrels in Another Dimension"Do you work for a living? Are there people who go out of their way to make your life a little better? They try to literally add love and cheer to the lives of all who come in contact with them. If you have been lucky enough to have met them, I hope that you have the presence of mind to thank them and let them know how very special they are. This week, I am dedicating this episode to someone very special who died two years ago without my knowledge. Someone who tried to reach out to me...
2021-07-1620 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Untying the Knots of Grief"If you only listen to one episode, make it this one. It is my absolute honor to interview my guest Dr. Katherine Shear. She is the expert on studying and treating complicated grief which is now known as Prolonged Grief Disorder. In this in depth and intimate interview, she not only asks about my own grief regarding loss of my father, but she tells us the how and why we experience grief the way we do. please check out the website http://complicatedgrief.columbia.edu for more resources.
2021-07-091h 03"Write Your Best Chapter""Functioning until you don't"As physicians, we have only learned to keep going. When we get into school, it feels like we are on a conveyor belt that we cannot get off of no matter what. Some people bend, but most people break. Not because they do not have what it takes, but because medicine takes so much from you. It is my absolute pleasure to share the story of Air Force Captain Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD with you. She went through so many ups and downs of self doubt, anxiety, anorexia, depression and suicidal ideation, but had the courage to come through...
2021-07-0355 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Nothing Has Gone Wrong""Why me?" This can be the first thought that comes to our mind when things go wrong. This can be with a new cancer diagnosis or when what you were setting out to do falls apart. Why not you? Can you rethink what is happening in your life so that you can change the "It's not fair" drama into "Nothing has gone wrong". The simplest way I can think about it is this: why not you? The universe does not owe us anything. Once we embrace this thought, navigating the full human experience becomes so much intentionally meaningful. Join...
2021-06-2531 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Lean In With Love"We move through our lives getting irritated by how people treat and disappoint us. We live our lives having mediocre relationships with the people we think should love and adore us. We want people behave in such a way that they can be worthy of our love. What if we already loved them? Just the way they are with all their shortcomings. Are you perfect? Do you think others don't secretly wish you were different so THEY could love you, too? I ask deep questions for you to get the love you want.
2021-06-1733 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Sleepless in Sacramento"We are often hardwired to go to the worst case scenario when faced with challenges. We try to put our better days conditionally on what could happen in another day. What if that day never came? Would you put your happiness on pause? What if you had stage IV metastatic cancer with 2% chance of survival? Would you audition for a popular TV show? Come to think of it, if not now, then when? Join me as I share one of my favorite coaching tools to help you get unstuck from your negative thinking loops.
2021-06-1130 min"Write Your Best Chapter""The Ultimate Trip with Psychedelics"What is the meaning of life? Often times, when faced with end of life and terminal cancer, patients are faced with a sense of doom. This sense can feel anything from isolation to depression, anxiety and absolute helplessness. There have been randomized controlled trial studies for the past 40 years or so regarding the value of using psychedelic mushrooms such as Psilocybin to combat these feelings. In this episode I will talk about how this line of treatment maybe what we all need as our preparation for our very last trip.
2021-06-0431 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Living in a Virtual Hole"Smartphone and internet addiction is a real life sucker. It increases loneliness and depression. It fuels anxiety. It increases stress. It can exacerbate attention deficit disorder. It can diminish our ability to concentrate and think creatively. It can disturb your sleep and encourages self absorption. In today's podcast, inspired by a coaching client, I talk about how to set better example for our kids managing this dependence.
2021-05-2827 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Prescribing Stillness in Medicine"Telling stories is what connects us all as humans. Using narrative medicine to humanize the experiences we have around illness and disease is the highest form of self reflection and therapy. Join me as I interview Ms. Wendy Hind, PhD, JD, who tells us the story of her son William. By using poetry, she creatively celebrates her life experience as a mother of a child born with a cardiac congenital defect. This episode will motivate you to tap into your creative senses. Follow her at tinypoetryproject.com
2021-05-2149 min"Write Your Best Chapter""How To Ask The Right Questions"You may have never thought about this, but a disease is not the same thing as an illness. To best tend to our own and our patient's disease, we must first think about what they think of their illness. In this episode, I will teach you the tools to ask the right questions in life to get the answers that give you a better result. This is regardless of whether you have an illness or are just overwhelmed in life. Our thoughts lead to all of our results in our lives including how we experience a disease.
2021-05-1439 min"Write Your Best Chapter""What Do We Do?"When faced with the reality of a child's rare and serious illness, we often wonder: What Do We Do? Well, I am so happy to share Dallas Graham's story with you. He single handedly decided to create children's books authored by those very extraordinary children facing unimaginable obstacles. Red Fred Project is an organization that has put its heart and soul into creating legacy of the lives of those special children. Learn more at www.redfredproject.com
2021-05-0753 min
Blueprint For Your Dream Life PodcastEpisode #16: Living Intentionally with Dr. Faryal MichaudWelcome to the Mindfulness & Productivity Systems Podcast with Dr. Serene Shereef where we explore how mindfulness, productivity systems & our thoughts create the magic in our life. Serene Shereef is a general surgeon, mom to 3 wonderful children, wife, & productivity coach who helps professional women struggling with burnout and overwhelm to take control of their time, mind, energy & productivity.Her MAPS (Mindfulness And Productivity Systems) Framework is a powerful integrated tool that combines the energy of mindfulness with the scientific principles of habit building and your unique systems of productivity. Her goals are to help you discover clarity, design...
2021-05-0744 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Surviving and Thriving Through Loss"Imagine being an executive leadership educator guiding major healthcare organizations through significant changes, only to be faced with the most unimaginable personal crisis of your own. Dr. Anne Harbison shares her story of unbearable loss and her intentional road to personal growth and learning to reach a higher ground and purpose. Learn how she managed to put her story within the context of a book that was on her Bucket List. To purchase her autographed book try www.anneharbison.com
2021-04-3046 min"Write Your Best Chapter""What is possible?"If our time is truly short, what are some of the things that you would love to accomplish? I mean if anything would be possible for you, what would manifest in your life? In this episode, I will talk to you about the impact that this podcast has had on the life of so many people both near and far. If one person can make this much impact, I invite you to wonder, what could be possible for you?
2021-04-2323 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Living Painting To Painting"When you finish medical school and end up with a quarter of a million dollars worth of student loan debt, you may think you have no way out of this hole you have created for yourself. Allow me to introduce you to an amazing example of what is possible for all of us who want to practice joy and live a more intentional life. From playing cello, creating painting, and starting her own bakery, learn this amazing story of Dr. Jessie Benson chasing pure joy as a profession.
2021-04-1651 min
Best Life After CancerDr. Faryal Michaud: Having Difficult Conversations and Living IntentionallyToday we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Faryal Michaud, from the "Write Your Last Chapter" podcast and Blog. She is a palliative care doctor and life coach working with physicians on living intentionally. If these things seem like polar opposites, she will tell you how this came to be. She shares her wisdom on having conversations early with family about the "plan b" in treatment, why we should live our bucket lists sooner rather than later, and how to live a life intentionally.
2021-04-1230 min"Write Your Best Chapter""The Gift Of Time"When we are faced with the end of our lives, we start fighting for more time. Ideally, this time would be spent doing the things we love to do, or doing the things that we wanted to do. The reality is, at that moment, we are in no shape to do what we have wanted to do. I am giving you the gift of time NOW. In this episode, I will teach you ways to find pockets of time to do what matters most to you most, today. Let's do this. You will love this episode.
2021-04-0932 min"Write Your Best Chapter""So You Want To Move To Hawaii?"Ever since I became a podcaster and a blogger, and also since I moved to Hawaii, I am approached by people wondering what it's like moving and living here. So many questions. I had to do my own search before moving here. Some of what I learned were true, some of it was not. I am joined by the amazing and accomplished Dr. Rupa Wong, also not a native of Hawaii, sharing our pearls about what it's like to create your life here.
2021-04-0253 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Taking Your Sweet Time"In times of COVID, as our grief process has been stunted due to lack of in person services, it is so important to move at your own pace. There is no hurry. You move as you need to move. Slow and steady. The society may want you to be done already. People are uncomfortable being around grieving individuals. Sometimes they feel helpless. It is ok. It is not about them. I am giving us permission to take our sweet time until we are good and ready.
2021-03-2622 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Happy NoRuz"First day of spring. A brand new year. A new beginning. I hope you will take this ancient tradition and honor its practices. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Ask for forgiveness from those whom you have intentionally or unintentionally hurt in the past year. Every year is a new beginning. I wish you love, peace, health and prosperity. Happy New Year: NoRuzetan Pirouz!
2021-03-1918 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Practicing Self Compassion After Sudden Loss"All aspects of our lives are opportunities for growth. The sudden loss of a loved one, especially the same age or younger, always feels unsettling. Following many recent losses my colleagues and clients have been sharing with me, I felt like it was a good time to talk about how we should manage our mind during these unprecedented times. There is no urgency, other than that of feeling aware of all that we are and all that we can be.
2021-03-1130 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Zen in Mexico"For the longest time, I went to vacation to get away from my life. When your life is so uncontrollable that you feel like the only way you can find peace is parked somewhere far away, it is time to revisit this thought. I talk about how I would put away my phone in the security box just so that I could shut down the outside chatter. Let's talk about how you can do that without going to Mexico.
2021-03-0528 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Next Great Adventure with Doug Cotta"The first time I heard about "Death Cafe" on NPR, I thought it was the most brilliant way of normalizing discussions about death and dying. I think that if my podcast is similar to anything, I would have to say it would be like that space. Except that I am the only one talking here. When I learned that a virtual Death Cafe was happening, I had to invite the host to tell us more.
2021-02-2734 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Cultivating Self Compassion"With all the talk about mindfulness and its positive effect on our lives, how do we go about incorporating the practice? As we have been socialized to feel accomplished once we complete a to do list, and judge ourselves when we don't, how do we practice acceptance? How can we decide what matters most so that we can focus on those priorities instead? In this mini-coaching session, I will share with you some of my tools to help you pivot and focus on what can ground you in stormy days of your life no matter what life throws at...
2021-02-1927 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Jude's Legacy: A Life of Meaning with Rebecca Hensler"What if this life is all there is? If you are a non-believer and don't envision an afterlife, how do you grieve and where do you reach out for like minded support? My guest today is a phenomenal activist, mother and grief support leader. When Rebecca Hensler lost her young son, she experienced first hand what it meant to be given the wrong type of support. As a non-believer, she wanted to created a safe support group for all who may need it some day. "Grief Beyond Belief" was created as a meaning making celebration of her son.
2021-02-121h 05"Write Your Best Chapter""A Sacred Space with Dr. Corinne Alexander Cole"What is Therapeutic Presence? Can you just sit there with a patient, without offering any treatment or even medication and yet have a meaningful impact? Turns out the answer is easier than one might think. A 'healer' shares her story of why she was drawn to end of life care. As one might imagine, the story is not always linked to a death story. What if you wanted to provide the best of care for humanity from the very beginning to the very end?
2021-02-0539 min"Write Your Best Chapter""A Gerontologist's Journey to Georgia with Andrea Valdez, MS"As a little kid, did you look at people who were older and wondered about how their hair turned gray? Andrea did. Then she grew up to become a gerontologist because she loved to really study them. She ended up serving that vulnerable section of our society with so much heart and authenticity. Now she lives in Georgia working as a Marketing Director for a local Hospice agency. She shares her story with us today.
2021-01-2948 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Icon of Hope: Chaplain Fred Grewe shares his gift of story telling"Why is a chaplain here? I often hear that when we walk into a patient's room for a palliative care consultation. What is "Existential Distress"? I have been wanting to share the importance of chaplaincy and their work surrounding end of life care. Fred Grewe is a master story teller to help me do just that.
2021-01-2259 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Last Thrill: Dialysis Tales with Dr. Manpreet Samra"Sailing and Slow Travel. What is on your bucket list? There is so much we want to do with our lives until the very end. Some things are easy to keep doing, other things not so much. We talk about the first and last time I felt my father's dialysis thrill. Also, what it means to offer dialysis no matter how much time we have to live. Is it the right decision? Dr. Samra shares her amazing journey into medicine and answers my questions.
2021-01-1534 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Eckhart Tolle Answers My Question About Death"I had the absolute pleasure of taking part in a workshop led by Eckhart Tolle on Winter Solstice on December 2020. I wanted to hear about his take about how we should manage our emotions around this much death and suffering around times of pandemic. I can't think of any other joy than having him quote my all time favorite book: The Little Prince. Enjoy this treat.
2021-01-0831 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Life and Love after The Diagnosis with Dr. Sonal Haerter"We will all be hit by a serious illness diagnosis one day. How will we take that news? In a very heart touching episode, my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Sonal Haerter, shares her story of her father in law whom she lovingly calls her Dad. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and lived his life more than ever before. He taught her "The Value of Here and Now". She shares his story.
2021-01-011h 01"Write Your Best Chapter""Doing God's Work with Alicia Geary, RN"In a very special Christmas episode, I want to share with you one of my more popular blog posts titled "Alicia". While the details of the story of the patient is changed to protect his identity, Alicia is an actual person who was an angel personified that day for me. If you got to know her, you would agree with my assessment. I want us all to take a moment and appreciate oncology nurses during this time of the year. They are truly our unsung heroes.
2020-12-2544 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Retiring Early To Travel The World: Physician on FIRE"What do you want to be when you grow up? What if that wouldn't give you much joy and you wanted to shift gears? My special guest today is a wildly popular financial blogger who happened to be a practicing anesthesiologist until very recently. Instead of buying into "The Sunk Cost Fallacy", he decided to pivot and creatively help the world in a totally different way-all while slow traveling the world with his wife and young children. I know you will love his story.
2020-12-1851 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Do or Die"What if your beauty routine was owning one lipstick? I was asked to discuss financial matters that relate to handling end of life. Do we live our bucket list and spend money because of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or do we save money for the rainy days ahead and appreciate JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)? I share my perspective of "Save and Savor" as far as relating to my attitude regarding finance and intentional spending. I think this attitude would serve us well whether we are of good health or heading into the end of our lives.
2020-12-1132 min"Write Your Best Chapter"Bonus - "Stranger Than Fiction: Forced Organ Harvesting"It is unbelievable. Truly, if you have never heard of it, you may be thinking this is an urban legend or conspiracy theory of sorts. I wish your intuition was right. In a stranger than fiction episode, let Dr. Gilcrease tell you about the atrocities of a government that forcefully removes organs of its prisoners of conscience to sell to the rest of the world. Prepare to be shocked and find yourself running to fact check this episode. Check out www.DAFOH.org
2020-12-0441 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Navigating Uncertainty in Oncology with Dr. Weldon Gilcrease"I wonder why is it that the oncologists are often the "Last Man" standing? When patients have no more options for life prolonging measures, they still want the final word to come from their oncologists and not their own free will. Dr. Gilcrease masterfully answers these difficult questions that we all struggle with. In a very heart felt episode, he shares all his highs and lows caring for his dying patients in the most compassionate way possible.
2020-12-041h 01"Write Your Best Chapter""Gratitude as a cloak"Palliative is from the Latin word pallium, which means cloak. When patients receive palliative care, they are cloaked with care and comfort as they receive focused pain and symptom management. I think there is another way we can cloak ourselves: To practice gratitude. In this Thanksgiving episode, I share with you two ways you can live a more grateful existence. It is my appreciation for your presence in this space. Mahalo!
2020-11-2634 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Not Gone but Forgotten"'Name is Bond. James Bond'. Who does not get goose bumps when they hear those words? Yet when Sean Connery died last month, I had to ask myself: Did I know if he was still alive? There certainly was no mention or sighting of him. His wife released a statement that said he had dementia and it took its toll on him. "It was no life for him. He was not able to express himself in any way." She was happy he died in his sleep. Just how he wanted to die. Peaceful. At home.
2020-11-2036 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Eating To Death"As physicians, we often talk about 'Do No Harm'. We also know that culturally we associate feeding loved ones as loving them. Can these two ideas go against one another? Are there situations when inadvertently we feed our loved ones to death? When patients with end stage dementia are unable to swallow their food, how do we help family see that they are getting to the end of their road? Talking about the benefits of pleasure feeding by mouth, as opposed to artificial nutrition by tubes, tackles these emotional situations.
2020-11-1336 min"Write Your Best Chapter""On My Own Terms"Hear the story of a patient who loved life so much that she wanted to live it her way until the very end. In this very special episode, we will listen to Dr. Deming from the last episode with her patient's daughter talk about Patsy. She was a fiercely independent woman who was very clear about her wishes. She was clear as to how she wanted to end her last chapter. Listening without judgment opens our minds.
2020-11-0659 min
"Write Your Best Chapter""Humanity in Medicine with Dr. Katie Deming"I am very excited to share my special guest's story on the podcast: Dr. Katie Deming, who practices radiation oncology in the Pacific Northwest. As a doctor treating female patients with breast and gynecological cancer with radiation, she makes deep connections with her cancer patients. Listen to her story as how having volunteered in a hospice home led her to where she is today. We ponder whether the right questions are being asked during medical school application process to get the correct candidates care for our humanity. She shares her unique story with us on this podcast.
2020-10-3042 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Palliative Pearls: How Much Time Do I Have? Part II"Patients with serious illness often want to know how much time they have left to live. It helps them plan. How to live the rest of their lives on their own terms. Do they want to keep coming back and forth to the hospital? Or do they want to spend the rest of their lives at home instead? We talk about prognosis discussions when it is not a timed based focus but rather functional or unpredictable prognosis.
2020-10-2334 min"Write Your Best Chapter""Palliative Pearls: How Much Time Do I Have? Part I"We are sometimes asked by our patients about their prognosis. How much time do they have? While we may never know the exact answer to that question, we often have an estimate. Is it helpful to share that information with the patients? Can we assume that they actually want to know? In this episode, which is the first of two part series, I will share with you how to best approach those questions so that patients get to choose the right options based on the information at hand. I also share what not to do to protect our patients...
2020-10-1634 min