Margaret and I talk about what it feels like to care for patients who remind us a little too much of ourselves, especially when we’re also the ones filling out the paperwork for a psychiatric hold. We dig into what a 5150 (or 5585) really means, how to sit with that kind of authority, and the emotional mess of seeing a patient’s fear reflect your own. Psychiatric holds carry legal weight, but emotional weight, too. We talk about what it’s like to sit with both. Takeaways: Signing a psych hold fo...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, Margaret and I take on burnout—what it actually is, where the term came from, and how to tell when you’re not just tired, but something deeper is cracking. We dig into the history, the Maslach Inventory, moral injury, and why burnout isn’t in the DSM (yet). We also share our own unhinged burnout moments (yes, mine involves harmonica) and explore how to tell the difference between burnout, depression, and just being in the wrong place. Reference: MBI Self Test: https://drive.goog...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min
This might be our nerdiest episode yet—and that’s saying something. In our Season 2 kickoff, Margaret and I sit down with Dr. Margo Funk, psychiatrist and QTC whisperer, to explore the strange, stressful overlap between psychiatry and cardiology. We talk about our worst fears on call, how to spot when an EKG is lying to you, and why it might be time to stop blaming Haldol and start looking at your T wave. There are metaphors involving horses, guns, Timberlake, and Kool-Aid. Somehow, it all makes...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Season 1: complete! In this wrap-up episode, Margaret and I reflect on what it’s been like building this show from scratch—while also being full-time psychiatry residents. We talk about favorite episodes, unexpected challenges, what we’re still figuring out, and what’s ahead for Season 2. We also answer listener questions about training, creativity, psychedelics, and the eternal search for balance when your brain wants art and your calendar says “clinic.” There’s some honesty, some gratitude, an...
May 26, 2025•49 min
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Nikki Haddad, we went from couples therapy theory to Simpsons cosplay, and yes—it was as chaotic and illuminating as it sounds. Margaret and I roleplay Homer and Marge in a fictional session while Nikki breaks down what’s actually happening between us (emotionally, not just cartoonishly). Along the way, we talk about heteronormativity, escapism, parenting exhaustion, and the red flags that get mistaken for romance. It’s part improv, part therapy, part meltd...
May 19, 2025•58 min
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Nikki Haddad—Margaret's residency best friend, couples and sex therapist, and one of the most thoughtful psychiatrists I know—to break down what makes romantic relationships so damn hard. We get into myths we’ve carried (and tried to shake), how sexual issues are rarely just about sex, and why our training in medicine doesn’t prepare us to talk about any of this. Nikki then walks us through the five developmental stages of a relationship and this is only Par...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min
We opened up the inbox and wow… y’all really came through. In this first-ever Q&A episode, Margaret and I answer your questions about coping during med school, surviving feedback, dealing with emotional exhaustion in residency, and why outpatient goodbyes feel like actual breakups. I also overshare about marathon training (again), Margaret brings the wisdom and the theater metaphors, and we all learn what bald eagles actually sound like. It’s a mix of serious, strange, and unexpectedly hones...
May 05, 2025•57 min
This week, I learned I have a pelvic floor. And yes, I realize I’m a doctor and should’ve known that already. Margaret and I talk with pelvic floor physical therapist and viral educator Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, who somehow made me breathe through my butt on mic. We cover everything from incontinence and pelvic pain to TikTok fame, trauma-informed care, and the surprisingly emotional world of core stability. Alicia breaks down the science and the stigma behind one of the most misunderstood part...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In the last episode, Preston demonstrated to Margaret how to properly conduct a mindfulness meditation session. Due to popular demand, the sage spiritual guide is back. Takeaways: Preston can’t lead a meditation Margaret shouldn’t let him try — Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Music: “Peaceful, Reiki, Meditation, Calm, Healing Music [ NO COPYRIGHT ]” by...
Apr 24, 2025•5 min
In Episode 16, Preston and Margaret dive into the chaos of overnight residency, the reality of sleep deprivation, and how mindfulness can backfire when your brain just won’t sit still. From ruined meditations to hot girl walks through hospital hallways, they unpack what real-world coping actually looks like—before, during, and after the hardest moments. Takeaways: Coping doesn’t always look like calm. Sometimes it looks like sour gummy worms, a midnight hospital lap, or an espresso ritual that h...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In Episode 15, Preston and Margaret open a bottle—of questions, stories, and science—about alcohol use disorder. What do we get wrong about “moderate” drinking? Why is detox more dangerous than most people realize? And how does alcohol quietly reshape identity, relationships, and the brain itself? With their signature blend of honesty and humor, they explore the unexpected ways drinking shows up in medicine, the myths that keep us stuck, and the messy, meaningful path to redefining recovery. Tak...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 34 min
In Episode 14, Preston and Margaret dive into social anxiety disorder and the loneliness epidemic. From embarrassing childhood memories to awkward club encounters, they explore how social anxiety shows up in everyday life and how it differs from normal nerves. They also discuss the surgeon general’s definition of loneliness, the role of social media in increasing perceived judgment, and the neuroscience behind facial recognition, fear responses, and serotonin's impact on the amygdala. Takeaways:...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this episode, Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the science of running, exercise culture, and its impact on mental health. They explore the history of running, how it went from an obscure activity to a cultural phenomenon, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms that make it such a powerful mental health tool. They also unpack the identity crisis that can come with being an athlete, how running became the millennial version of church, and why dance might actually be a bett...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 28 min
In this episode Margaret takes the lead as she welcomes art therapist, psychotherapist, and author Amelia Knott to discuss the ethics of being online, parasocial relationships, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore the blurred lines between personal and professional identities in digital spaces, the therapeutic power of art, and how social media fosters both connection and disconnection. Takeaways: Parasocial Relationships Feel Real—But Aren’t Always Balanced: The one-sided...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 31 min
In this episode we are joined by Priyanka Patel, a pharmacist, content creator, and soon-to-be author, to discuss mental health misinformation, ADHD, and the challenges of navigating online discourse about mental health. Priyanka shares her personal journey with ADHD, the barriers she faced in getting a diagnosis, and how social media both helps and harms conversations about neurodivergence. Takeaways: Not All Mental Health Content is Created Equal: Social media is full of both helpful education...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this episode we sit down with genetic counselor Julia Castro to demystify the world of genetic testing and counseling. They explore how genetic information can help (or sometimes confuse) patients, why more testing isn't always better, and the ethical dilemmas of knowing too much about your future health. Takeaways: Genetic Counseling is More Than Just Testing: It’s about helping patients navigate uncertainty, understand their risks, and make informed decisions about their health and their fa...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and its impact on mental health. They break down the science behind CB1 and CB2 receptors, explain why marijuana affects people so differently, and discuss the complex relationship between THC, CBD, and dopamine. Along the way, they tackle myths about cannabis use, addiction, and medical marijuana, shedding light on what we actually know—and what remains a mystery due to historical barriers to research. Takeaways:...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this episode Preston and Margaret are joined by Dr. David Roberts to explore the fascinating world of motivational interviewing (MI)—a counseling technique designed to help patients navigate ambivalence and commit to meaningful change. Dr. Roberts shares insights from his years of experience training psychiatrists and therapists, breaking down MI into practical techniques that anyone can use to foster deeper, more effective conversations. We even do a fake therapy session with our producer Ar...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode Preston and Margaret welcome their first guest, neurosurgeon and content creator Dr. Betsy Grunch (aka Lady Spine Doc), for a deep dive into pain—how we treat it, how we misunderstand it, and how the system often fails those who experience it. Takeaways: Pain Is Not Just Physical: Chronic pain isn’t just about physical damage—it involves neurological, psychological, and emotional factors that make treatment complex. Back Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer: Failed back surgery syndro...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the complex relationship between exercise and mental health. They discuss the science behind how movement impacts the brain, debunk common myths about fitness, and explore the psychological barriers that prevent people from incorporating exercise into their lives. Takeaways: Exercise Impacts Mental Health Bi-Directionally: Movement not only improves mental health, but mental health conditions can also act as barriers to engaging in exerc...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode Preston and Margaret tackle one of the most talked-about topics in mental health today—ADHD. From the historical roots of the diagnosis to the impact of modern social media trends, they explore how our understanding of ADHD has evolved over time. They discuss the challenges of diagnosing ADHD in both children and adults, the role of social media in spreading information (and misinformation), and the real-life impact of the disorder. Takeaways: ADHD Has Deep Historical Roots: The ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the complex concept of rapport in healthcare. They reflect on the challenges of building meaningful connections with patients and the impact these relationships have on medical outcomes. From awkward early encounters in medical school to techniques they've developed as psychiatry residents, this episode unpacks what it means to truly connect. Takeaways: Rapport Is More Than Liking: Building rapport isn’t just about being liked; it’s about creating tru...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode Preston and Margaret embrace the season with a deep dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). From the science behind melatonin and serotonin to the cultural and emotional frameworks that shape how we experience winter, this episode covers the biopsychosocial dynamics of seasonal depression. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes, including the surprising benefits of light therapy and reframing winter as an opportunity for growth. Takeaways: Light is Power: Exposure to l...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode Preston and Margaret dive into the science and personal experiences surrounding attachment theory. They discuss its origins, its modern-day interpretations, and how it shows up in everyday relationships. Takeaways: Attachment is Dynamic: Attachment theory isn’t a fixed diagnosis—it’s a lens to understand how people relate to others and themselves. Repair Builds Resilience: Healthy relationships are not conflict-free but can recover from disagreements and grow stronger. Pop Psych ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this debut episode of How to Be Patient, psychiatry residents Preston Roche and Margaret Duncan open up about their personal journeys into medicine and the challenges they’ve faced in connecting with patients—and themselves. From navigating early patient interactions to grappling with their own vulnerabilities, they explore the balance between authenticity and professionalism. With humor, candid storytelling, and a dash of introspection, this episode sets the stage for a season of thoughtful ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 1
It’s finally time to address our professional relationships with mental health treatment in a clear, calm, and professional manner. It’s time that practitioners start to better understand ourselves, our patients, and our parallel journeys to address mental health struggles in this highly unpredictable cultural climate. It’s time a podcast trailer presented a plan to constructively explore professional development for psychiatric professionals. Perhaps, in the form of a polished audio trailer! We...
Nov 08, 2024•3 min
