Empowering Women Physicians

Episoade

• 
  Episode # 36 - Fierce Self Compassion with Dr. Kristen Neff 22.04.2026 34min

  This episode included clips from a workshop inside the Empowering Women Physicians coaching program with Dr. Kristen Neff on self-compassion.  We discuss the difference between tender self-compassion and fierce self-compassion.  Dr. Neff speaks up about the need for women to advocate for themselves and how that is indeed an act of self-compassion. We discussed that self-compassion can be measured using the Clinical Self-Valuation Scale and that it can be significantly improved in just a short period of time, as documented by a change from 18% to 64% of women physicians inside EWP meeting criteria for a self-compassionate perspective in just 8 weeks. Links for resources mentioned in this episode. EWP coaching guide https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/guide EWP Newsletter: https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/newsletter EWP Published data: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38840137/ Stanford Clinician Self Valuation Scale https://med.stanford.edu/wellmd/selfassessment.html Self-valuation. Attending to the most important instrument in the practice of medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31543254/ Study on self-valuation being the largest mediator in the difference in burnout between male and female physicians:  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2846632 
• 
  Episode # 35 - Jill Bolte Taylor (the neuroanatomy of psychology) 12.03.2026 2h 18min

  In this episode, we listen to a full two hour workshop held inside the EWP Coaching Program with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.  She is a Harbard neuroanatomist who had a stroke that led her to see her brain and psychology in a whole new way.  Her TED talk is one of the most watched of all time and author of the books My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living. She shares her neuroanatomically based psychological paradigm to help others live more peaceful lives.  In this workshop she discusses how this framework applies to us as physicians. For more information on our Physician Coach Certification visit https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/certification To get on on the waitlist / interest list go to https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/certificationwl
• 
  Episode #34 - Radical Responsibility vs Over-Responsiblity 02.03.2026 25min

  In this episode, we discuss the unseen burden and mental load of taking over-responsibility for things that aren't ours to carry.  We discuss the difference between taking Radical Responsibility for those things that are yours to control (your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results) as opposed to taking responsibility for things that are not yours to control (such as others thoughts, feelings, actions, and results).
• 
  Episode #33 - What Matters Most 21.02.2026 1h

  In this episode, Dr. Sunny Smith reflects on how a recent life threatening situation helped her to see what things really matter in the end, and how most of the things we spend so much time worrying about don't really matter at all.  It changed her perspective to help her take radical responsiblity for making choices in her life that didn't serve her.   She also announced a brand new physician coach certification program that can be found at https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/certification/ If you aren't signed up for our newsletter yet, you can do so at https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/newsletter
• 
  Episode #32 - Oprah & Inner Knowing 17.10.2025 54min

  Our last episode was a conversation with Dr. Edith Eger on how we always have a choice.  No matter our situation, we always have a choice.   This episode is a reflection on a conversation with her and Oprah Winfrey that included how we go about making our choices when the answer doesn't seem clear.  Oprah discussed her own reflections with and experiences of Inner Knowing.  She says we were all born with an inner knowing and if we can just be still and listen, it is always there. If you'd like to join us for a live workshop, simply go to https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/workshop We'd love to see you there.  
• 
  Episode #31 - Dr. Edith Eger 19.09.2025 44min

  In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Edith Eger who is a 97 year old Holocaust survivor, clinical psychologist, and New York Times Best Selling author of the book The Choice. The wisdom she shares is truly unforgettable. She teaches us how her mother taught her that no one could take away from her what she put in her mind.    She reminds us that we all have choice, no matter the circumstance. Links from this episode: For those who want to join us for a workshop go to http://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/workshop Dr. Edith Eger's book - The Choice. https://dreditheger.com/the-choice/  
• 
  Episode #30 - Learned Helplessness Part 2 (Learning Control) 05.09.2024 41min

  In this episode we examine the evolution of the understanding of Learned Helplessness.  We review the neuroscience that explains how helplessness is a default and what we are actually learning is control.   This allows us to have a deeper understanding for ourselves and compassion for ourselves when we do feel helplessness in the face of ongoing challenges. It also empowers us to proactively strengthen our self-efficacy, agency, and autonomy. Learned Optimism helps us remind ourselves that challenges are not personal, not permanent, and not pervasive. Upcoming EWP in person event EWP Toronto event with Liz Gilbert and Martha Beck https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/toronto-2024/   References Maier SF, Seligman ME. Learned helplessness at fifty: Insights from neuroscience. Psychol Rev. 2016 Jul;123(4):349-67. doi: 10.1037/rev0000033. PMID: 27337390; PMCID: PMC4920136.      
• 
  Episode #29 - Learned Helplessness Part 1 28.08.2024 46min

  In this episode we learn about Martin Seligman's initial experiments on Learned Helplessness.  This context can help us better understand ourselves and why we may sometimes not believe that we have power to take action to decrease our own suffering.   In person event: EWP Toronto 2024 with Liz Gilbert and Martha Beck - click here  Coaching Guide: To download click here  Podcast link:  To send to a friend click here. We'll be placing links to references here soon.
• 
  Episode #28 - Indoctrination 15.10.2022 53min

  In this episode we talk about the indoctrination all of us went through during our medical training.  In the next episode we will discuss learned helplessness, unlearning, and re-learning agency and self-efficacy. References and resources mentioned in this podcast References 1. Greenawald MH MD, FAAFP, Pipas CF MD, MPH, FAAFP.  The Power Of Coaching: Supercharge Your Personal and Professional Well-being.   Fam Pract Manag. 2022 Sep-Oct;29(5):12-16. 2. Shanafelt TD, West CP, Dyrbye LN, Trockel M, Tutty M, Wang H, Carlasare LE, Sinsky C. Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Mayo Clin Proc. 2022 Sep 14;S0025-6196(22)00515-8. Empowering Women Physicians resources for you Sign up for the EWP Coaching Program Waitlist The Ultimate Coaching Guide for Women Physicians Books We Love Guide References (RCT & academic journal articles on physician coaching) Dr. Katrina Ubell session inside EWP Dr. Katrina Ubell's book
• 
  Episode # 27 - There is no badge of honor 16.09.2022 32min

  In this episode we talk about the important role of "micro-mentoring" in facebook groups for women physicians.      We also discuss one such example where women physicians reflect on and call out beliefs we have or actions we take, as if there were a badge of honor for sacrificing ourselves for others. Let's tell the truth - from our own painfully gained knowledge that there is NO badge of honor for .... (insert some BS thing here that we have been led to believe we "should" do. References Knoll, Miriam A. MD; Jagsi, Reshma MD, Phil. Cumulative Micro-Mentorship: How Social Media Is Facilitating the Advancement of Female Physicians. Academic Medicine: October 2019 - Volume 94 - Issue 10 - p 1404-1405.
• 
  Episode # 26 - The Power of Our Stories 13.09.2022 45min

  Human beings are enthralled by stories and use them as tools to connect, to make sense of the world, to engage and transmit information from one person to another, one community to another, and one generation to another.  Our stories influence our beliefs and our culture.  Personal heartfelt stories engage our brain in unique and powerful ways.  We'll talk about why we encourage others to tell their stories inside EWP, why micro-mentoring matters, and why Social Learning Theory suggests most human learning occurs observationally through modeling.   One woman physician telling her story has the power to change the world around her.  Thousands of women physicians telling their story has the power to change the culture of medicine.  References Dr. Uri Hasson Lab at Princeton (Suzuki et al.  Dialogues: Science and Power of Storytelling. J Neuroscience 2018 Oct 31; 38(44): 9468–9470.  TED talk , Youtube Storytelling impacts our future) & Dr. Paul Zak.  (Neuroscience of stories) Bandura A. Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall; 1977. David Foster Wallace - This is Water. EWP website: https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/ To notify us you left a podcast review - click here. To join the coaching program or the waitlist - click here. To get information on the retreat - click here.
• 
  Episode # 25 - What we really do 10.10.2021 19min

  We are thrilled to be back after a year long break from releasing new episodes to bring you more of the Empowering Women Physicians podcast.  In this episode, we hope to help you reflect on what you really do and the meaning and impact you have on people's lives.   Dr. Edith Eger's powerful book The Choice can be found here. The free anonymous confidential Physician Support Line can be found at 1.888.409.0141. For more information on EWP coaching go to:  https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/coaching/
• 
  Episode # 24 - Dr. Milene Argo's internal and external transformation through coaching 31.08.2020 1h 3min

  Dr. Milene Argo started her journey with coaching 3 years ago, which started with 80 lb weight loss, she then applied this work to optimizing her clinical practice, to managing her inbox, finally leaving work at work, no more charting at home, self acceptance,  COVID, and even recent anti-racism awareness.    She is one of the best I know in using coaching techniques with her patients during routine office visits and helping them get real results. She is now not only a client of mine for well over a year, but is now also a colleague and coach in the EWP program in addition to having her own coaching practice. Check out her physical transformation in this video, which now matches the internal changes she has created through applying this work to all aspects of her life. https://thedoctor-coach.com/start-here  Milene's coaching can be found in her own practice at https://thedoctor-coach.com/ and as a part of EWP coaching at https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/coaching/ Dr. Nora Vasquez can be found at https://www.renewyourmindmd.com/
• 
  Episode # 23 - Dr. Sonia Wright (sex, mentoring, racism, continuous transformation) 21.07.2020 1h 6min

  In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sonia Wright about her journey, continuous transformation from her time in college, postbacc, residency, fellowship, parenting, mentoring, coaching, sex, intimacy, racism, and her experience living in the Twin Cities, MN during recent months and the anti-racism movement. https://soniawrightmd.com/ PDF guide: bit.ly/sexualintimacyguide
• 
  Episode # 22 - Dr Stella Evans (pediatrician in Minneapolis during recent uprisings) 10.07.2020 1h 12min

  Dr. Stella Evans reflects on the last few months and how our paths crossed when she reached out while she was on quarantine for fever and cough.   She then found herself at the epicenter of the world's attention as the recent anti-racism uprisings literally came to the streets in front of her home and clinic.  She reflects on how examining her thoughts, feelings, and actions  during this historic time impacted what she did with her children and her family, and how she showed up in her neighborhood, her clinic, and her community.
• 
  Episode # 21 - Dr. Sarah Watler (Intern year in NYC, COVID, racism) 30.06.2020 1h 16min

  Dr. Sarah Watler is one of my former medical students who has spent the last year as an Intern in New York City in the largest medical center in the area hardest hit by COVID (the Bronx). She speaks openly about her experiences this year.  As a Family Medicine intern focused on social justice she never expected to be doing months of critical care at the epicenter of an international pandemic.  She shares her thoughts about being a Black woman physician during this time, raising awareness, and advocating for change.
• 
  Episode # 20 - How are you feeling? (Affect labelling) 12.05.2020 47min

  How are you feeling? No really, how are you feeling. Pick a word. See if you can name how you are feeling right now. Affect labelling (naming an emotion) has been shown to decrease distress.  In this episode, we talk about the neuroscience behind using your own brain to feel better.   Download the feelings list here https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/feelings/ Virtual summit link here Affect labeling article here  Free COVID related coaching sessions here
• 
  Episode # 19 - Offering some hope (including Dr. Krista Olsen's story of being COVID+, recovering, and returning to clinical care) 04.04.2020 59min

  While the COVID pandemic is spreading, I wanted to encourage us to manage what is within our control, including flattening the curve. This episode also includes reminders that now more than ever caring for yourself IS caring for others. We can accept reality while offering hope. You'll hear from Dr. Krista Olsen, a full time obstetrician and certified coach in our program.  She was COVID positive with fever, cough, and myalgia.  She and her family fully recovered and she is back to clinical care.   Her story serves as a reminder that this is actually the expected and most common course of this disease.  While we can learn to prepare for other scenarios, we must purposefully remind our brains that most who get sick will recover.  Listen in to hear how she managed her mind through the symptoms, diagnosis, and recovery. Links mentioned in this episode Free coaching for physicians during the COVID pandemic https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/covid/ TED talk.  How we must respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. Bill Gates https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_how_we_must_respond_to_the_coronavirus_pandemic There is no emergency in a pandemic https://acanticleforlazarus.com/2020/03/23/there-is-no-emergency-in-a-pandemic/ That feeling you are feeling is grief.  Scott Berinato. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief Hidden brain.  Shankar Vedantam https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain Dr. Krista Olsen.  True Life MD. https://www.truelifemd.com/about   American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/our-work/education/healthcare-professional-burnout-depression-suicide-prevention/ You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
• 
  Episode # 18 - COVID-19 pandemic 14.03.2020 51min

  On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Today, March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency. This has impacted all of us. Particularly physicians. We talk about how you can see this as an opportunity to use your voice, to speak, to lead, to work together.   WHO announcemement of pandemic is here.  The link to sign up for free COVID-19 related group coaching resources for physicians by physicians is here. Image by #joseflee @joseflee.stories   
• 
  Episode #17 - Megan's story 21.02.2020 1h 20min

  In this very special episode, Dr. Megan Galaske tells her story. Her journey of transformation, from suffering to thriving in just a few short months. She attributes this change to finding women physician groups who offered support, podcasts, and coaching.  She implemented these changes in her life and you'll love to hear from her. Her words. Her journey. Her transformation. And...we do have a special time limited offer bringing many women physician coaches who trained where I did, at The Life Coach School, to bring you the very best that coaching has offer all in one space.    For more details visit  https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/pmg/