What is someone like me, a full-time interventional radiologist, mom, and blogger– what am I doing starting a podcast?? I never thought I would do start one, even when my friends told me I should. A podcast is so much more accessible than a blog because you can listen on the go, they told me. I knew they were right, but to be honest, I was intimidated by the learning curve. And the extra work. But here’s the thing. Hearing the sound of someone else’s trusted voice has helped ME at times when I’ve felt so lonely. And listening to podcasters and leaders has made me feel so connected to others. It’s a powerful medium. And we need connection now more than ever. So I started a podcast. According to my personal mantra, it’s called Save Lives, Enjoy Your Own.

Another driver behind the podcast is that I see LONELINESS in training as a problem. I think this is particularly true for those aspiring to competitive fields, and/ or fields in which there is a prevalent “bro” culture. If you’re a woman, you might feel left out in that kind of environment. That’s why I think projects designed to stamp out loneliness and isolation are the key to thriving in medicine. As an example, check out the Stanford Story Rounds. It’s a regular meeting on campus for students, trainees, and attendings to tell their stories, as a way to build community and support each other. That is what I’m trying to accomplish here, in a way. I think this platform can support women in the traditionally male-dominated fields of medicine. 

The why behind my new podcast. 

One day, pre-COVID, I was asked to present a talk at the Medical Students’ Scholars Dinner at the annual meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology. I was so excited to address some of my future colleagues in this forum. But it was in Seattle, in March of 2020. Let’s just say I was relieved when the meeting was canceled. I didn’t want to risk getting sick, or worse, bringing back the virus to my elderly and infirm patients in Southern California.

So I recorded that talk (here). It featured some of my most awkward failures, and what they taught me. And the feedback from that recording touched me. One medical student, an aspiring plastic surgeon, told me how she listened to my talk again and again, even as she fell asleep. I do that too… sometimes with guided meditation, other times with an audiobook. Often, I drift off to the voice of someone I admire. And it’s an honor to be able to play that role in your life: to be one of your guides as you traverse your own heroine’s tale. 

What to expect from the Save Lives, Enjoy Your Own Podcast

This podcast will provide a backstage pass to my book. Every other week, I will work my way through the book, introducing each chapter and a personal story around it. I’ll share excerpts of the book, and my own answers to the Spill Your Guts exercises at the end of each chapter. My aim is to remind you, through the sound of my voice, that women not only exist but can thrive in their chosen specialties, even those traditionally known to be boys’ clubs.

The podcast is unedited. It’s real talk. And for now, it’s just me. 

Check it out here!

If you like what you hear, please share with a friend, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review! 

I hope you enjoy your own.

Let me know how you aim to do that this week in the comments below!