Shows
The MedLife Support Podcast17. Perfectionism in Medical Families: Breaking the Pressure to Be Flawless with Amna Shabbir, MDPerfectionism in Medical Families: Breaking the Pressure to Be Flawless with Amna Shabbir, MD How socially prescribed perfectionism fuels burnout, isolation, and disconnection in medical families and what to do about it. Perfectionism is often praised in medicine. But what if the pressure to be flawless is quietly driving burnout, resentment, isolation, and emotional disconnection inside medical families? In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, Dr. Lisa sits down with Dr. Amna Shabbir—dual board-certified physician, TEDx speaker, founder of Success Curated, and host of the globally ranked podcast Success Re...
2026-02-1745 min
The MedLife Support Podcast16. Why Home Matters for Health During Relocation in Medical Families with Kim CostaRelocation is a defining feature of medical life. Physician families often move repeatedly for training, career opportunities, and call demands, yet the impact of these moves on health, relationships, and a sense of belonging is rarely discussed. In this episode, I'm joined by Kim Costa, founder of Lifestyle Foundations, creator of the Wheel House Framework, and author of Live in Your Wheel House. Kim brings both professional expertise and lived experience, having relocated more than twenty times herself. Through her work, she helps families understand how home, environment, routines, and relationships directly influence physical and emotional wellbeing...
2026-02-1043 min
The MedLife Support Podcast15. Relocation and Belonging: Supporting Medical Families Through Transition with Amanda BaronRelocation is a defining feature of medical life. Nearly every physician family experiences multiple moves — for medical school, residency, fellowship, and career opportunities. While relocation can open doors professionally, it often brings a quieter cost: loneliness, disconnection, and the challenge of rebuilding community from scratch. In this episode, I'm joined by Amanda Baron, physician relocation specialist, realtor, physician spouse, and host of the Behind the White Coat podcast. Drawing from both lived experience and professional insight, Amanda shares how relocation impacts physician spouses and families, why loneliness frequently accompanies these transitions, and how community plays a critical role...
2026-02-0320 min
A Life Well Lived: A Physicians Guide to WealthThe Invisible Cost of Medicine — And What Healing Together Can Look Like | Episode 49Burnout in medicine is usually framed as an individual problem.A physician problem.A resilience problem.A mindset problem.But what if that framing is incomplete?In this conversation, James is joined by Lisa A. Muehlenbein, PhD, founder of The Medlife Matrix and host of The Medlife Support Podcast, to explore burnout through a wider — and more honest — lens: as a family systems issue.Lisa brings nearly three decades of lived experience as a medical spouse, along with academic research focused on how physician burnout impacts partners, marriages, and fami...
2026-02-031h 02
The MedLife Support Podcast14. Community as Care: Why Physician Families Need Community, Not Just Coping with Elizabeth LandryPhysician burnout is often discussed at the individual level, but far less attention is given to the relational and community contexts surrounding physicians and their families. In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Landry, founder of The Med Commons, to explore why physician families need more than coping strategies; they need connection, belonging, and community that understands the realities of medical life. We discuss how isolation shows up for physician families, why informal support systems often fall short, and how intentional community spaces can function as a protective factor against burnout. Elizabeth shares insights from...
2026-01-2742 min
The MedLife Support Podcast13. Loneliness in Medical Families: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever with Emily Kent, PhDLoneliness in Medical Families: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever: How Stress, Belonging, and Social Connection Shape Health for Physician Spouses Loneliness is one of the most common — and least talked about — experiences in medical families. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Dr. Lisa sits down with Dr. Emily Kent, an experimental psychologist, loneliness researcher, and physician spouse, to explore why loneliness shows up so often in life in medicine — and how it impacts both emotional and physical health. Building on themes first explored in Episode 4: Loneliness in Medical Marri...
2026-01-2028 min
The MedLife Support Podcast12. Relationships Under Burnout: What Holds and What Frays in Medical MarriagesRelationships Under Burnout: What Holds and What Frays in Medical Marriages How Awareness Changes Connection for Physician Familie Physician burnout doesn't impact marriages through one experience alone — it shapes relationships cumulatively over time. In this final episode of the series, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores relationships under burnout, integrating the themes that emerged from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. This episode reframes relationship strain as a response to chronic overload, highlights the power of awareness, and invites couples to tend to their connection with compas...
2026-01-1314 min
The MedLife Support Podcast11. Pride in the Physician's Service: Holding Meaning and Strain TogetherPride in the Physician's Service: Holding Meaning and Strain Together Why Admiration and Exhaustion Often Coexist in Medical Marriages Pride and strain often coexist in medical marriages — yet they're rarely discussed together. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores pride in the physician's service through the spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Dr. Lisa discusses how admiration, meaning, and respect for the work of medicine can exist alongside exhaustion, loss, and strain — and why making room for...
2026-01-1316 min
The MedLife Support Podcast9. Health Challenges in Medical Marriages: When Stress Shows Up in the BodyHealth Challenges in Medical Marriages: When Stress Shows Up in the Body How Physician Burnout Impacts the Physical and Mental Health of Spouses Health challenges are a common — and often overlooked — experience for physician spouses. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores health challenges through the spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Dr. Lisa discusses how chronic stress shows up in the body, why spouses often delay care, and why health symptoms are not a failure of...
2026-01-1310 min
The MedLife Support Podcast10. Self-Care in Medical Families: When Care Has to Be SustainableSelf-Care in Medical Families: When Care Has to Be Sustainable Why Traditional Self-Care Fails Physician Spouses—and What Actually Help Self-care is often recommended to physician spouses — but rarely in ways that are realistic or sustainable. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores self-care through the spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Dr. Lisa discusses why traditional self-care messaging often fails medical families, how chronic stress depletes capacity, and why care must be reframed as responsive...
2026-01-1315 min
The MedLife Support Podcast8. Feeling Misunderstood in Medical MarriageFeeling Misunderstood in Medical Marriage Why Physician Spouses Feel Invisible—Even When They're Trying to Explai Feeling misunderstood is one of the most emotionally draining experiences reported by physician spouses. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores feeling misunderstood through the spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Lisa discusses why spouses often feel unseen by partners, family, and friends, the emotional cost of constantly explaining life in medicine, and why self-validation matters when understanding feels out of r...
2026-01-1313 min
The MedLife Support Podcast7. Helplessness in Medical Marriages: When There's Nothing Left to FixHelplessness in Medical Marriages: When There's Nothing Left to Fix: How Physician Burnout Leaves Spouses Carrying Powerlessness and Care at the Same Time Helplessness is one of the most quietly painful experiences in medical marriages. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores helplessness through the physician spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Dr. Lisa discusses why helplessness is so common in medical families, how systemic burnout fuels powerlessness, and why helplessness often signals grief rather than f...
2026-01-1311 min
The MedLife Support Podcast6. Anger in Medical Marriages: What It's Really Trying to Tell YouAnger in Medical Marriages: What It's Really Trying to Tell You Why Suppressed Anger Is Common in Physician Families—and What's Underneath I Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions in medical marriages—and one of the most common. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores anger through the physician spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Lisa discusses why anger is often suppressed in medical families, how unmet needs and chronic imbalance fuel resentment, and why an...
2026-01-1314 min
The MedLife Support Podcast5. Solo Parenting in Medical Families: Carrying the Load AloneSolo Parenting in Medical Families: Carrying the Load Alone How Physician Burnout Turns Partnership Into Parallel Parenting Solo parenting is one of the most common — and least acknowledged — experiences in medical families. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores solo parenting through the physician spouse perspective, drawing from her doctoral research on Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Lisa discusses how burnout turns partnership into parallel parenting, why imbalance often becomes normalized, and the emotional cost of carrying family life largely alone. This conversati...
2026-01-1311 min
The MedLife Support Podcast4. Loneliness in Medical Marriages: Feeling Alone TogetherLoneliness is one of the most common — and least talked about — experiences in medical marriages. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores loneliness as experienced by physician spouses, drawing from her doctoral research on physician burnout and the marital relationship from the spouse's perspective. Lisa discusses how burnout limits emotional capacity, why spouses often withhold their needs to protect their partner, and how loneliness can exist even in loving, committed relationships. This episode offers validation, language, and compassionate insight for medical families navigating disconnection at home. Subscribe for ongoin...
2026-01-1307 min
The MedLife Support Podcast3. Sacrifice and Loss in Medical Marriages: What Physician Spouses Give UpSacrifice and Loss in Medical Marriages: What Physician Spouses Give Up Sacrifice is often expected in medical families—but the cost of that sacrifice is rarely discussed. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD explores sacrifice and loss as experienced by physician spouses, drawing from her doctoral research on physician burnout and the marital relationship from the spouse's perspective. Lisa discusses how loss can show up through career changes, identity shifts, emotional adaptation, and unacknowledged grief—and why naming these experiences is essential for maintaining connection and well-being in medical...
2026-01-1316 min
The MedLife Support Podcast2. FOUNDATION EPISODE: Physician Burnout Through the Spouse's Eyes: The 10 Themes That EmergedPhysician burnout doesn't just affect physicians—it crosses over into marriages, families, and relationships at home. In this episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD—health psychologist, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and physician spouse—introduces the findings from her doctoral research, Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective. Lisa shares the 10 themes that emerged from physician spouse narratives, including sacrifice and loss, loneliness, solo parenting, anger, helplessness, health challenges, self-care, pride in the physician's service, and the overall impact on relationships. This episode sets the stage for a 10-part s...
2026-01-1312 min
The MedLife Support Podcast1. START HERE: How Medicine Impacts Relationships—and Why Physician Families Need Support TooPhysician burnout doesn't stay at work—it follows physicians home and reshapes marriages, partnerships, and family life. In this inaugural episode of The MedLife Support Podcast, host Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD—health psychologist, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and physician spouse of over 26 years—shares the personal and professional story behind the podcast and why physician families must be part of the burnout conversation. Drawing from more than 30 years in health and wellness and her doctoral research, Physician Burnout and the Marital Relationship: Spouse Perspective, Dr. Lisa explores how burnout impacts connection at home, why spouses a...
2026-01-1313 min
The MedLife Support PodcastTrailer: The MedLife Support Podcast- Relationships, Burnout & Thriving in Life in MedicineLife in medicine is intense—and it doesn't just affect the physician. The long hours, call schedules, emotional weight, and burnout ripple through marriages, partnerships, families, and even healthcare organizations. Welcome to The MedLife Support Podcast, hosted by Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD in health psychology, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and spouse of a physician for nearly three decades. This podcast is a space for honest, compassionate conversations about life and medicine, physician burnout, relationships, boundaries, communication, and connection. Drawing from over 30 years in health and wellness—and doctoral research focused on physician burnout and...
2026-01-0602 min
Transforming Healthcare CoachingWhen Burnout Hits Home: The Hidden Story of Physician Spouses with Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein | Episode 82In this conversation, Dr. Lillian Emlet speaks with Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD — founder of The Med/Life Matrix — about her groundbreaking research on physician burnout from the spouse’s perspective. They explore what happens when professional stress leaks into relationships, why connection is medicine, and how small “micro moments” can rebuild resilience at home. Perfect for physicians, partners, and leaders who want to make healthcare more human — starting with their own families.
00:00 Introduction to Burnout in Healthcare
00:53 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lisa Muehlenbein
01:09 The Spouse Perspective on Physician Burnout
03:20 Research Insights and Methodology
06:27 Impact of Burnout o...
2025-11-1029 min
Behind The White Coat - Real Talk For Physician Spouses#29| How Physician Spouses Hold Families Together Through BurnoutWe explore the hidden cost of physician burnout on families and why spouses often become the strongest protector against stress and disconnection. Dr. Lisa Muhlenbein shares practical habits, the MedLife Matrix framework, and a clear case for hospitals to include families in well-being programs.• the 80/20 split of burnout drivers and why organizations must act• sacrifice, relocation, and loneliness in medical marriages• how to spot burnout’s ripple at home before it snowballs• habit stacking for energy, hydration, and gratitude• building community without a formal alliance• five-minute daily connection rituals for couples• the MedLife Matr...
2025-11-0338 min
Beyond Yoga Teacher TrainingEpisode 5: Navigating Transitions with Guest Lisa MuehlenbeinIn this episode of The BEYOND YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Podcast, Sandy has a conversation with Lisa Muelenbein, The Wellness Coach, to discuss how to navigate and transition through life circumstances on and off the yoga mat.
As a yoga teacher for nearly 20 years and a certified health and life coach, Lisa believes strongly that the best teachers are lifelong students and is always looking for ways to learn, grow, and share her knowledge with others. Lisa is a Yoga Alliance® Registered E-RYT 500, YACEP, and a Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist. She is currently nearing completion of her 1000-hour trai...
2020-11-2457 min