When relationships feel hard—especially across differences—it might be time to rethink how we relate. What if joy isn’t always something to solve, but something we can allow? Relational facilitator James-Olivia Chu Hillman (Inquisitive Human; creator of REGARD) joins Chrissie to get precise—and playful—about desire, skill, and capacity; the four skills of relating; and the quiet ways “helping” turns into control. In this honest, spacious conversation, we explore congruence, empathy that follows ...
Aug 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 51
When life is shattered by loss — especially sudden or violent loss — the path forward can feel impossible to see. Yet even in the deepest grief, joy can still find its way back in. Dr. Melissa “Red” Hoffman, MD, ND, FACS is a trauma surgeon, hospice and palliative care physician, and naturopathic doctor who has lived through unimaginable personal tragedy, including the violent deaths of loved ones. She shares how she’s learned to navigate the thin veil between sorrow and joy, set compassionate b...
Aug 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 50
When chronic symptoms don’t make sense and traditional answers fall short, it might be time to look within - at the connection between your brain, body, and emotions. Dr. Becca Kennedy, physician and founder of Resilience Healthcare, shares her journey from conventional medicine to a deeper exploration of the nervous system, neuroplasticity, and the emotional roots of chronic pain. In this eye-opening conversation, she opens up about her personal healing path, what shifted when she began listeni...
Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 49
If you've ever felt like the noise of life has been turned up too loud and the inner whisper of calm is getting harder to hear, this episode is for you. Dr. Rashmi Schramm—board-certified family physician turned meditation teacher, coach, and retreat leader—shares her powerful journey from traditional medicine to a life rooted in presence, purpose, and micro joy. In this candid conversation, she opens up about what it really took to walk away from a decades-long career, how parenting college-age...
Jul 29, 2025•44 min•Ep. 48
If you’re a healthcare professional who’s ever felt disconnected from your body, your purpose, or your joy—this episode is for you. Dr. Sonny Miles, palliative and integrative medicine physician, coach and founder of Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine, joins Dr. Chrissie Ott for a deeply reflective conversation about what it means to live and practice with intention. Drawing from her own path through medicine—and the tension between productivity and presence—Dr. Miles shares how she’s l...
Jul 22, 2025•48 min•Ep. 47
If you’ve ever felt like joy is just out of reach - especially in the aftermath of trauma - this conversation is for you. Dr. Mary Catherine McDonald, research professor, trauma expert, and author of The Joy Reset - joins us to break down the science and soul of joy. With deep compassion and clarity, she shares what trauma really does to the brain, how joy can be reclaimed, and why healing doesn’t have to mean being "fixed" - just more fully you. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the neuroscie...
Jul 15, 2025•51 min•Ep. 46
If you’ve ever felt burned out, out of alignment, or unsure how to reconnect with your joy - this episode is for you. Dr. Stacy Cisneros, physician, healer, and guide, joins us to share her journey from the depths of medical burnout to discovering new paths of self-understanding and emotional healing. Through practices like Infinity Healing and Human Design, Stacy has redefined what healing looks like - not just for herself, but for the people she now supports. In this episode, you’ll learn: Wha...
Jul 08, 2025•53 min•Ep. 45
If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in front of a camera—or struggled to see yourself as worthy of being seen—this episode is for you. Rachel Marie Castillo, confidence coach and portrait photographer, joins us to share how photography can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and self-acceptance. Through her unique blend of artistry and emotional support, Rachel helps her clients reconnect with their confidence and show up fully in their lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: The powerful r...
Jul 01, 2025•50 min•Ep. 44
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your medical career—or wondered if there’s more to life than the traditional path—this episode is for you. Dr. Una, board-certified pediatrician, entrepreneur, and CEO of EntreMD, joins us to share how she went from feeling boxed in by medicine to building a thriving business that empowers thousands of physicians. In this episode, you’ll learn: What med school didn’t teach—and why business skills matter more than ever The surprising power of investing in yourself How...
Jun 24, 2025•50 min•Ep. 43
If you’ve ever felt the heartbreak of fertility struggles—whether personally or alongside a patient—this episode is for you. Dr. Erica Bove, reproductive endocrinologist and certified coach, joins us to talk about the emotional weight of fertility medicine—and how compassion, community, and curiosity can transform the journey. Drawing from her own experiences with moral injury in medicine, Erica shares how coaching reshaped not only her clinical approach, but her connection to patients, grief, a...
Jun 17, 2025•53 min•Ep. 42
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more joy and authenticity to your work in medicine—this episode is for you. Dr. Santi Tanikella, integrative pediatrician and coach, joins us to talk about what it really means to infuse your life and career with joy, purpose, and presence. Through her transformative work in integrative pediatrics and coaching, Santi is helping healthcare professionals rediscover the power of well-being in their lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it means to tune in t...
Jun 10, 2025•46 min•Ep. 41
If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain your energy and joy while caring for others, this episode is for you. Dr. Paul Yutan—a physician, acupuncturist, and passionate advocate for holistic healing—knows firsthand what it’s like to feel burned out and disconnected from your purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why finding your Ikigai can unlock greater satisfaction and purpose in your career How acupuncture played a key role in Dr. Yutan’s journey from burnout to healing Why blending Western m...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 40
If you’re craving a deeper sense of joy that lasts beyond the good days, this episode is for you. Dr. Kelly Holder—Chief Well-being Officer at Brown University, clinical psychologist, and passionate mental health advocate—shares what it means to hold space for others while learning to prioritize her own well-being. In this powerful conversation you’ll hear real talk about the personal growth that happens when we finally stop pouring from an empty cup—and start making decisions rooted in values l...
May 27, 2025•46 min•Ep. 1
If you’ve ever silenced parts of yourself to fit in or be heard, don’t miss this conversation. In this heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation, Chrissie Ott sits down with speaker, coach, and performer Cesar Cervantes to explore the joy of showing up as your true self—on stage, and in life. From stand-up comedy to coaching world-class speakers, Cesar has learned that the most powerful stories come from a place of authenticity, not performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: The #1 mistake mos...
May 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 1
If you’ve ever been cracked open by grief and wondered how to keep going—this episode is for you. You’ll hear the powerful story of Dr. Sasha Shillcutt—a cardiac anesthesiologist, leader, and mother—who has walked through heartbreak, cyberbullying, and profound transformation, and come out the other side with a deeper understanding of joy, community, and courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to transform adversity into unexpected gifts The truth about online criticism—and how to keep showi...
May 13, 2025•54 min•Ep. 1
What it means to be held together in the face of deep loss—and how sharing our stories helps us heal. In this episode, Chrissie Ott sits down with Dr. Rebecca Thompson, author of Held Together, for a moving, deeply human exploration of motherhood, grief, creativity, and connection. With raw honesty and quiet strength, Rebecca shares how loss shaped her—and how storytelling helped her heal. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why grief and joy aren’t opposites—and how they often live side by side How ...
May 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 1
If you’ve been craving more peace, purpose, and presence in your life—you’re not alone. This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering what’s next… and whether more is really the answer. Dr. Jessie Mahoney—a pediatrician, physician coach, wellness consultant, and founder of Pause and Presence Coaching—will share how she has cultivated spaces through retreats and coaching that help physicians reconnect with themselves and one another in ways that heal, restore, and inspire. In thi...
Apr 29, 2025•55 min•Ep. 1
If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world and still showed up with a smile—this episode is for you. Dr. Chrissie Ott and Sheletta Brundidge go deep into the kind of joy that doesn’t come easy—but is all the more powerful because of it. From middle school friendship to the reality of raising black sons in America, this conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. You’ll hear how childhood lessons shape adult resilience, why giving each other grace matters more than ever, and what it means to t...
Apr 22, 2025•49 min•Ep. 1
If you’ve ever wondered how to add joy to your workday—this episode is for you. Dr. Anni Shandera-Ochsner is an assistant professor of psychology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the medical director of Joy at Mayo Clinic. In this conversation with Dr. Chrissie Ott, she opens up about what it really takes to build a culture of joy in some of the most high-pressure environments. You’ll hear what she's learned from listening sessions with healthcare staff at Mayo Clinic—and why moments of co...
Apr 15, 2025•47 min•Ep. 1
If you’re a healthcare professional who’s ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or unseen—this episode is for you. Kim Downey, physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being, joins us to talk about what it really takes to thrive in medicine. As the founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors, an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, Kim is on a mission to change the conversation around burnout, support...
Apr 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1
If perfectionism is stealing your joy, this episode is for you. You’ll hear the honest, powerful story of Dr. Amna Shabbir—a master certified coach, internist, and mom—who knows exactly what it’s like to look successful on the outside… and feel completely depleted inside. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3 types of perfectionism—and how to recognize which one’s driving you How to tell the difference between healthy striving and toxic pressure What’s really happening when you crash after work—a...
Apr 01, 2025•54 min•Ep. 1
Discover a journey towards personal joy, justice and connection. The Solving for Joy podcast welcomes Iris Fernandez Valdez, an emotional well being coach. Together with Dr. Chrissie Ott, they discuss the importance of building meaningful connections, and the role of coaching in creating lasting change. Iris discusses what it means to be an abolitionist in this day and age. They also dive into the intersection of personal pain, self-punishment, and the larger societal vision of a world without p...
Mar 25, 2025•54 min•Ep. 1
Learn how subtracting societal expectations can lead to greater joy, authenticity, and self-discovery. In this conversation, host Dr. Chrissie Ott speaks with Dr. Jillian Rigert, a former military oral surgeon turned therapist in training. Dr. Rigert shares her transformative journey of stepping away from a performance-driven culture to embrace authenticity and self-compassion. She discusses the importance of surrendering to reality, recognizing the impact of trauma, and letting go of societal e...
Mar 18, 2025•52 min•Ep. 1
Learn how redefining medicine can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. In this episode of Solving for Joy, Dr. Kara Pepper shares her journey from burnout in medicine to rediscovering joy in her career. She opens up to host Dr. Chrissie Ott about the realities of gray drinking, and the importance of recognizing when a career no longer aligns with personal values. They explore what it means to navigate career transitions with self-compassion, the power of community support, and the courage ...
Mar 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 1
Explore how to cope with anticipatory grief, the power of advocacy, and the finding joy even in darkness in this episode of the Solving for Joy podcast. Dr. Tasha Faruqui shares her journey as a pediatrician and mother navigating her child’s undiagnosed neurodegenerative condition with host Dr. Chrissie Ott. Together, they discuss palliative care, medical decision-making, and the power of open communication. Tasha gives listeners valuable resources available for families and clinicians, and disc...
Mar 04, 2025•51 min•Ep. 1
Discover how joy and medicine can coexist with Dr. Tonya Caylor. With over 25 years as a family physician, Tonya is dedicated to supporting family medicine residents, faculty, and attending physicians as they rediscover the joy in their work. Together, Dr. Chrissie Ott and Tonya discuss themes of power, agency, perfectionism, and mentorship—highlighting the importance of finding fulfillment even in difficult circumstances. Tonya encourages trainees to embrace their authentic selves and recognize...
Feb 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 1
Discover the transformative power of connecting with others and making room for joy in our lives. In this episode of the Solving for Joy podcast, host Chrissie Ott welcomes Dr. Kathy Stepien, a leader in the physician coaching and wellness space, founder of the Institute for Physician Wellness and the Physician Coaching Summit. Together, they explore the concept of joy, its importance in life and medicine, and how presence and connection can enhance our experiences. Listen as Dr. Stepien shares ...
Feb 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 1
Discover the power of human connection, financial wellness, and courage in medicine. Dr. Jennie Byrne, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and healthcare innovator, joins the Solving for Joy podcast with host Dr. Chrissie Ott. Together, they discuss the realities of physician life, like financial challenges and moral injury. They explore the impact of language on burnout, the moral injury in healthcare, and the importance of stepping out of a scarcity mindset. Get ready to embrace human connection, an...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1
Explore how intentionality and coaching can transform surgery, success, and personal growth. Dr. Sharon Stein, a colorectal surgeon and life coach, joins the Solving for Joy podcast today with host Dr. Chrissie Ott. Together, they discuss the power of intentionality in surgeons, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the need for a shift in the surgical field. Together, they explore how conflicts arise from differing values, the importance of intentionality in interactions, and the role of coa...
Feb 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 1
Learn how to embrace your power, align with your purpose, and create a life of joy and intention. In this episode, host Dr. Chrissie Ott speaks with Dr. Vanessa Calderon, an emergency medicine physician, coach, speaker and leader in wellness and resiliency. Together, they explore how listening to your body, ancestral healing, and vibrational alignment can help you grow and find joy. Dr. Calderon reflects on the role of creativity and imagination. and the role they play in unlocking your potentia...
Jan 28, 2025•49 min•Ep. 1
