The Purpose Filter - podcast cover

The Purpose Filter

As someone who cares for sick and dying patients, hospice and palliative care physician Dr. Luyi Kathy Zhang has learned a thing or two about living. 

The good news is you don’t have to wait until the end or to lose someone you love to get a second chance at the life you truly want. 

With episodes covering topics like health, relationships, mindset, productivity, business, fulfillment and happiness, you’ll learn how to apply the lessons of the dying before it’s too late so you can create a life you genuinely love. 

Dr. Zhang’s expertise as a mindset and integrative life coach/hypnotist also means that each episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you see results FAST.

Each week brings warmth, compassion, authenticity, and humor to topics like what it takes to lead a life well-lived, finding your purpose, being your authentic self, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, taking action despite fear and so much more. 

If you’re ready to make a change in your life and aren't afraid of some uncomfortable conversations along the way, then tune in to discover how to transform your life and lead from the heart with purpose, passion, perspective, and peace 

Episodes

Take Care of Yourselves & Take Care of Each Other

After 2.5 years, The Purpose Filter podcast is coming to a close Whether it's a temporary or indefinite pause is TBD But what's most important is the journey we've taken together through 106 episodes, so THANK YOU for being here and listening along all this time Take a listen to hear the reasons behind this decision, some lessons learned from over 2 years of weekly podcasting, and what's to come in the future Let's keep in touch! Sign up for the email list HERE so you'll be the fir...

Dec 21, 202310 min

Think You Haven't Done Much This Year? THIS Exercise Will Remind You How Far You've Actually Come

As the calendar days start flying by faster than you can keep up, an unsettling question might be poking around in the back of your head: "What have I done all year??" Well, this episode will surely rectify that for you! My husband and I have been doing this one particular year-end exercise for the past 6 years and it's a beautiful way to reflect on the past 365 days, how you've grown, and what you'll take with you into 2024 In this episode, you'll learn how: Embracing p...

Dec 13, 202321 min

Feel Like You’re Working Hard and Not Seeing Results? This Might Be Why

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of your challenges and goals, constantly searching for the best strategies and solutions, only to end up frustrated and exhausted, then you are not alone! Despite your relentless efforts, you may be stuck in a cycle of overthinking, overcomplicating, and overanalyzing, hindering your progress instead of finding the ease and simplicity you desire. It's time to break free from this self-imposed prison of complexity and embrace the po...

Dec 06, 20237 min

The Sneaky Way You're Doing Gratitude Wrong And How To Fix It Instead

We know being grateful has positive effects on our body, mind and spirit But some of you are practicing gratitude as a way to deny or dismiss your emotions when you have legitimate reasons to be stressed, frustrated or upset The more you force yourself to be grateful, the more you feel suffocated by the weight of your unacknowledged emotions. Join me this week as I uncover the subtle way you might be using your own gratitude practice against yourself, and how to change it It...

Nov 29, 202317 min

Family Drama Survival Guide: Coping with Conflict During the Holiday Season

If you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the constant arguments and tension that arise during family gatherings, then you're not alone! Luckily, I've learned a thing or two about managing large family gatherings during my time as a hospice doctor And in today's episode, I share with you the best tips and tricks to help you navigate a situation that often fills people with dread during the holiday season Say goodbye to awkward and explosive conversations around the ...

Nov 22, 202319 min

Coaching vs Therapy: What To Know & How To Choose What's Right For You

This topic is one I get asked about every week, sometimes multiple times a week I've received both therapy and coaching and both were life-changing. I fully believe everyone should receive both and can benefit from both So here it is: the similarities and differences between coaching and therapy broken down into 4 categories and how to choose the right modality for you In this episode you'll: Hear the definitions of coaching and therapy straight from their governing organizatio...

Nov 15, 202319 min

Doing THIS One Thing Will Help You Get Back Up Faster When Life Knocks You Down

Let's face it, life can really kick you in the teeth sometimes, usually when you least expect it too But what if I told you there's a way to not only navigate these unexpected challenges, but to actually thrive in the face of adversity? That's why this week's episode is all about the transformative power of intentional discomfort. Because sometimes, it's the unexpected twist in our journey that brings out the strongest of ourselves. Are you ready to unlock your potential and embrace ...

Nov 08, 202313 min

Unveiling the Secrets to a Well-Lived Life That You Won't Hear Anywhere Else

Since this would be our celebratory 100th episode of the podcast, you'd think that it would be brilliantly polished, snazzily produced and glitzy and glamorous Spoiler alert: it's not Double spoiler alert: I'm a flawed human, just like you And yet, I'm still quite proud of the episode Tune in this week to hear what you can do when reality doesn't match up to your expectations and how you can still have your own back in the process Plus, you'll hear from your favorite pa...

Nov 01, 202318 min

How to Know What You Want When You Have No Idea Where to Start

Have you ever heard these myths about finding clarity and direction in life? Myth #1: You have to have everything figured out before you can make a change Myth #2: There's only one right path for you to follow Myth #3: The answers to your questions can only be found externally By the end of this episode, you'll hear 3 lessons I've learned that debunk these myths and you'll be able to move forward with more clarity to live the life you truly want In this episode, you will be able...

Oct 25, 202314 min

This is The Advice You Need to Hear If You've Ever Felt Like It's Too Late to Start Over

There comes a point when you're so far behind on a project, to-do list or maybe in life that the "why bother?" feeling takes over Especially if you've ever felt like the day has just gotten away from you, you haven't made any progress and you're so off schedule, it's almost funny...if it weren't so demoralizing But what happens when you're hours, days or even years off track? Join me on this week's episode as I share a mindset shift that has helped me overcome setbacks and stay f...

Oct 18, 20236 min

More Than Just Credit Card Points: Breaking Boundaries, Shattering Stereotypes and Living Fully with Dr. Devon Gimbel

Travel is one of those things that makes me feel so alive and connected to my fellow humans that I feel it in my soul. If that sounds like you, this is a MUST LISTEN episode! Join me this week as we unlock the world of meaningful travel with physician and credit card rewards expert Dr. Devon Gimbel. She reveals the secret to leveraging points for life-changing experiences, all while breaking boundaries, challenging longstanding societal beliefs, and transforming financial goals into un...

Oct 11, 202354 min

The Power of Perspective: Lessons Learned at The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

Anne Frank's life story offers profound insights into human resilience and strength. Despite the gravest circumstances, she and her family kept faith and found moments of joy, teaching us the power of the human spirit. This resilience under adversity can serve as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own challenges, reflecting the potential of inner strength to overcome obstacles. Discover the powerful lessons learned as I explored the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and witnessed th...

Oct 04, 202316 min

The Power of Belief: Personal Development Lessons from the Life of Vincent van Gogh

What do Vincent van Gogh, a museum visit and the world of personal development have to do with each other? Well, as it turns out, a lot! Join me in this episode and discover the captivating world of van Gogh as I delve into his life and reveal the extraordinary lessons hidden within the ordinary, and what his struggles and triumphs can teach you about what it means to live a fulfilling, meaningful life In this episode, you'll be able to: Embrace the beauty in the ordina...

Sep 27, 202315 min

Want to Make a Change And Not Sure What's Holding You Back? Listen to This

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions of life? Like you're trapped in a monotonous rhythm, just accepting things as they are without question? Well, let me share a story that will awaken your spirit and ignite the fire within you. It all started with a simple statement: "if you're unhappy with something, change it" But little did I know, it held an unexpected twist that would forever change my perspective This epiphany set me on a path of em...

Sep 20, 202312 min

Summer Break: New Episodes Return Wednesday, September 20, 2023!

As summer winds down and we head into autumn in the northern hemisphere, I hope you take some time for restoration and rejuvenation That's why The Purpose Filter podcast is taking a little break New episodes return on Wednesday September 20th, 2023! And as a reminder, there are no "should"s and there is no "supposed to" You are not your work nor your success nor your productivity You don't need to do anything to "deserve" rest or tend to your body, mind and spirit Thank you for tuning...

Aug 23, 20232 min

5 Common Time Management Mistakes and How to Prevent Them From Happening in the Future

How do some people manage to work, spend time with their families, exercise, read, meditate, work on their business AND get a full 8 hours of sleep?? They probably know something about time that you don't And after listening to this episode, you'll be on your way to becoming one of those people Topics discussed: 5 common time management pitfalls to avoid how to create HOURS more per week by doing ONE thinghow to immediately implement changes so that time is working FOR you...

Aug 16, 202332 min

How to Stop Letting Perfectionism Prevent You From Moving Forward

Nothing and no person is perfect. And yet we beat ourselves up and strive for flawlessness only to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and even paralyzed when we can't live up to perfection What if I told you there's a way out that you can let go of the need to be perfect and EMBRACE your imperfections? This week, we're diving into perfectionism—examining its origins, its impact on our lives and how we can break free from its grasp Together we'll uncover the hidden costs of perfectionism, le...

Aug 09, 202324 min

Feel Like You're Not Making Progress on Your Goals and Want to Give Up? Listen to This First

This week's episode is specifically for those of you out there who have a goal and find your confidence wavering, self-doubt creeping in, wondering if you have gone so far in over your head, and whether you should just give it all up. Sound familiar? Cause, yeah, I've been there and done that and went around the block with it! I get brutally honest this week and share something about myself that I haven't even told my closest friends or family members You'll also hear inspirational st...

Aug 02, 202321 min

Have Big Dreams? Stop Trying to be Confident and Start Doing This Instead

You've been told to just "be confident!" and everything will fall into place. Sound familiar? But here's the truth: mere confidence alone isn't enough to achieve your dreams. And it's painful, isn't it? Pouring your heart and soul into your aspirations, only to be met with disappointment and frustration. In this short and quick episode, you'll learn the difference between confidence and courage and discover the true power of relentless perseverance in making your d...

Jul 26, 20239 min

How to Deal With the Negative and Judgmental People in Your Life

Do you have people dishing out negative comments and judgmental opinions about your life like they're giving away free samples at the grocery store? The old advice is to: (1) Just ignore them and they'll go away or (2) You can't change negative people, so just accept it But what happens when the criticism comes from the people closest to you, the ones who are supposed to support you? This week we're diving into why the people around you are doubting or judging you and lea...

Jul 19, 202323 min

From Past to Present: Your Transformation Story Unveiled

Does this sound familiar? You're constantly focused on what's next, striving for more and pushing yourself to achieve greater heights. You've been told that the key to success is always looking ahead, never looking back. But here's the truth: that approach is ineffective and it's leaving you feeling unfulfilled. The vicious cycle of constant pursuit without reflection means you miss out on celebrating your personal growth and accomplishments. It's time to break free from this cy...

Jul 12, 202314 min

Amplifying Inner Wisdom: Exercises to Reconnect with Your Intuition

How much do you trust your intuition? If you're feeling trapped in a cycle of overthinking and analysis paralysis, constantly second-guessing yourself, and making decisions that leave you feeling unfulfilled and disconnected, you're not alone! In a world dominated by noise and opinions, it's easy to feel lost. But what if I told you there was a way to find your true north, your inner compass? Tune in this week to learn how to tap into this innate wisdom! In this episod...

Jul 05, 202325 min

The Friendship Files: How to Maintain and Deepen Your Friendships as an Adult

Have you ever heard the myths about adult friendships? The ones that say maintaining friendships gets harder as you get older, that distance will inevitably ruin your friendships, or (like in last week's episode) that making new friends is impossible? Well, I'm here to tell you that those myths are just that - myths. The truth is, with a little effort and intention, you can not only maintain your adult friendships, but also nurture them into long-lasting, enriching relati...

Jun 28, 202324 min

The Friendship Files: How to Make New Friends as an Adult (And Why It's Better For Your Health Too)

Making new friends as an adult can seem intimidating and extremely challenging, especially if you're worried about being rejected or judged. Not to mention we're all busy people who barely have time for ourselves and socializing tends to take a backseat. Our friends will understand, right? It's time to flip that script! Study after study show that people with stronger social bonds like friendships are happier, healthier and live longer than their less connected counterpar...

Jun 21, 202322 min

Terminally Ill With 90 Days to Live: Nicole Holland On Living With Purpose

What would you do if you found out you have 90 days left to live? You might discover a lot about life and what it means to be alive, and that's exactly what Nicole Holland shares with us in this powerful episode Living with a terminal illness can be a difficult and emotional experience, but it can also be a liberating one, encouraging us to live with a greater appreciation for the time that we have left. By recognizing the value of each moment, we can make the most of our remai...

Jun 14, 202320 min

Riding Life's Rollercoaster: How to Embrace the Highs and Lows and Why We Need Them

If there's one thing I've learned while caring for the dying, is that life isn't good or bad per se It's BOTH And it's precisely the existence and contrast between the two that gives meaning to our lives. In this short & sweet episode, you'll hear how an experience of highs and lows in my own personal life helps to illustrate this concept and how you can apply it your own life Topics discussed: Allowing yourself to feel joy and happiness in the present momentLeveragi...

May 31, 202310 min

Do Less, Be More: Unleashing 4 Personal Identity Lessons from "Queer Eye" for Your Real-Life Transformation

Who doesn't love the hit Netflix show Queer Eye?? It's giving us fierce, heartwarming, inclusive and empowering vibes and we are HERE. FOR. IT. This week's episode delves into the transformative power of one of my favorite topics: personal identity BUT with the added twist of seeing it through the lens of the newest season of "Queer Eye" We'll explore the invaluable lessons we've learned from the show and how we can apply them to our own lives, so join us as we go beyond the s...

May 24, 202332 min

Ripple Effects: How Doing Hard Things Transforms You and Inspires Others

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of doing hard things and how it can create a ripple effect that transforms not only ourselves but also inspires those around us. We explore the benefits of pushing our limits, the impact it has on personal growth, and the profound influence it can have on others. Episode Highlights: The personal growth and development that comes from taking on challenges and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones.How doing hard things sets an example for...

May 17, 202318 min

Always Busy and Don't Have Time For Yourself? Here's The Sneaky Reason Why You Might Be (Unconsciously) Afraid of Slowing Down

I'm willing to bet that if you're reading this, you're a busy person. Between work, home, family, health and relationships, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get what we want done And yet, what if I told you many of us are actually ADDICTED to being busy? And that a simple Italian phrase can be the key to transforming our vitality, productivity and psychological well-being If you can't remember when you last had time for yourself, this episode was...

May 10, 202320 min

The Journey Within: Lessons Learned from Exploring the World and Ourselves

Picture this: You're on vacation, walking in a strange but new environment. Your belly is full from a delicious meal and you're taking in the colors of the setting sun. You're finally relaxed and feeling at peace and suddenly, you're hit with a revelation about your life that you have been desperately searching for. Turns out it's exactly what you need to hear at this point in your journey! Vacations tend to do that to people, and in this episode I'm sharing with you the three most i...

May 03, 202326 min
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