Bansi Savla Once Again! Bansi is a 26yo wife, radiation oncology resident, and mother of three ferrets. In the four years since our first interview in May 2016, Bansi has graduated medical school, finished her transitional year of residency, and begun the road to mastery in the field of radiation oncology. In this conversation, we discuss how and why she changed in those four years, the story of her courtship and marriage, and how it is difficult to choose a death when you know how people die these days.
Continue reading “Bansi Savla On Death Once Again – 2021JAN”Lobynn Cha On Death – 2020DEC
Lobynn Cha! Lobynn is a 25yo daughter, entrepreneur, small business owner, and chef. I met Lobynn at her wonderful restaurant Little Miss Korea in Allentown, PA. During this conversation, we discuss her vagabond upbringing by missionary parents, how Koreans and Italians have more in common than you’d think, and how she navigates running a small business with her family. I hope you enjoy!
Continue reading “Lobynn Cha On Death – 2020DEC”Stephen Jenkinson On Death – 2020NOV
Stephen Jenkinson! Stephen is a 66yo teacher, author, story-teller, and musician. I met Stephen first through his incredible book, Die Wise, and truly enjoyed this conversation with a man who has spent time in the trenches and has already forgotten more about death than I will likely learn in my remaining life. During this conversation, he appropriately eviscerates the premise of the four prompts, we discuss how right/wrong is meaningless in the context of fulfilling the wolf’s role, and how advanced directives are a final grasp at control and autonomy.
Continue reading “Stephen Jenkinson On Death – 2020NOV”Matt Michaud On Death – 2020OCT
Matt Michaud! Matt is a 35yo firefighter, paramedic, CrossFit affiliate owner, father, and husband. I met Matt when I lived in NH and I had the great privilege of coaching at his CrossFit gym, EverProven CrossFit. In this conversation, we discuss how he processed the recent news of his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis, the unexpected dangers associated with firefighting, and how his children help him leave those dangers at work.
Continue reading “Matt Michaud On Death – 2020OCT”Alexander Minot On Death – 2020SEP
Alexander Minot! Alexander is a 30yo son, partner, and dog father. I met Alexander in the years after college, through previous guest Adam Arazi. During this conversation, we discuss his Jewish upbringing, the death of his father two years ago, and the challenges of bringing his family together in the wake of that death. I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Alexander Minot On Death – 2020SEP”Alana Karma On Death Twice Again – 2020AUG
Alana Karma! Alana is a 24yo survivor, growing human, and not a phoenix. This marks the third time Alana has joined us on the podcast, effectively ending the trilogy which began in 2017. Between that first interview and the second, she suffered a severe car accident which left her with brain damage and difficulty adjusting to her new life, as evidenced in that 2018 interview.
Now, almost three years after the initial interview and two years after the accident, we discuss life on the other side of forgiveness for someone that hurt you, how the coronavirus pandemic felt like everyone joining Alana in the “weird”, and how these days she identifies with a caterpillar more than a phoenix.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Alana Karma On Death Twice Again – 2020AUG”Morgan Allen On Death – 2020MAY21
Morgan Allen! Morgan is a 30yo weightlifter, dog mom, and daughter. I met Morgan through her fiance, John Foley, my good friend and previous interviewee for the podcast.
During this conversation, we discuss her father’s death by suicide, the evolution of her family dynamics, and the hurdles to starting her own family.
Continue reading “Morgan Allen On Death – 2020MAY21”Colin Kirts On Death – 2020APR23
Colin Kirts! Colin is a 33yo teacher, father, and co-creator of Koru Real Wellness in Doylestown, PA.
During this conversation, we discuss Colin’s Catholic upbringing and how a trip to Scandinavia opened his eyes to the wider world, how he spent the years during his hippie commune phase, and how a rabbi became his elder mentor.
Continue reading “Colin Kirts On Death – 2020APR23”On service in the time of coronavirus
This week of PTO puts me in an interesting place.
Continue reading “On service in the time of coronavirus”On love in the time of coronavirus
On Saturday morning, Mackenzi and I held a long conversation. Contingency planning for the next two to three months under the heavy weight of the coronavirus. If… then… scenario planning.
Continue reading “On love in the time of coronavirus”2020 Season Prospective
For this 2020 Season Prospective, I reflect on the winter hibernation away from this podcast and from writing my weekly reflections. I consider the coming season of this podcast: I preview and contextualize the interviews I’ve already recorded. And I wish you, the audience, well and hope you are taking care of yourself during this time of uncertainty.
Continue reading “2020 Season Prospective”Anna Shon On Death – 20170105
Anna Shon! Anna is a 57yo mother of two, a devoted Catholic, and a good friend. In this conversation, we talk about the death of her parents and how this influenced her own vision for end of life, her aversion to burials, and her optimism for the future.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Anna Shon On Death – 20170105”2019 Season Retrospective
For this 2019 Retrospective, I reflect upon the season as a whole: the key themes being parenthood and old friends. Then, I review the highlights of each interview which comprised this season. Finally, I look ahead to the return of the podcast in March 2020!
Continue reading “2019 Season Retrospective”On a new era
While there are meetings to have and decisions to finalize, I know one thing: this project will be forever changed.
Continue reading “On a new era”Caitlin Gray On Death – 20191205
Caitlin Gray! Caitlin is a 31yo mother, teacher, and historian. I went to high school with her and she popped up on my radar this past Mother’s Day due to a heartfelt post on social media. During this conversation, we discuss the loss of her daughter in utero this past April, her evolving spirituality from Catholicism to mediumship and shamanic meditative practices, and the surprise of discovering a new half-brother.
I hope you enjoy!
Continue reading “Caitlin Gray On Death – 20191205”On the first year (or baby chronicles: Part Ten)
I have been struggling with this post. I want this to be well thought-out. Meaningful. You have just turned a year old.
Shouldn’t I mark it with some importance?
Continue reading “On the first year (or baby chronicles: Part Ten)”Becky Orton On Death – 20181206
Becky Orton! Becky is a 45yo mother, CrossFitter, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I met Becky while coaching at CrossFit Juggernaut in NH before entering medical school: she and her daughter would workout together and I initially thought they were sisters! A testament to her energy and love of life.
During this conversation, we discuss motherhood and the story of her eight children (four biological and four adoptive), the experience of losing Ben, and the rewards of fostering medically fragile children.
Continue reading “Becky Orton On Death – 20181206”On dim expectations (or the beginning of Neurology)
Thus far, I have enjoyed wonderfully low expectations.
Continue reading “On dim expectations (or the beginning of Neurology)”On transitions (or Consult Liaison Psych: a post-mortem)
For the past three months, I feel like I have learned a lot about myself as a physician.
Continue reading “On transitions (or Consult Liaison Psych: a post-mortem)”Michael Vasconez On Death
Michael Vasconez! Michael is a 31yo lifestyle coach, USMC combat veteran, and philosopher. I enjoy flotation therapy regularly at Michael’s home, and find a kindred spirit in him. During this conversation, we discuss why he pressed people’s buttons as an adolescent, how his brother’s suicide drove him into the Marine Corps, and how the plant medicine ayahausca forced him to confront his years of infidelity and begin a new chapter with his spouse.
Continue reading “Michael Vasconez On Death”On a letter from past self and to future self, twice again
Dear Past Eugene,
I read what you wrote with some curiosity. While I have maintained the writing practice, I feel like it is more of a low-key journal. I feel that I haven’t written anything worthy of reading for weeks.
Continue reading “On a letter from past self and to future self, twice again”On self-deception
Last week, I told myself that I would write a few minutes each day. I thought this regimen would help me maintain my writing practice. I thought this would produce a thoughtful reflection on the issues surrounding end-of-life discussions in psychiatry.
Continue reading “On self-deception”Lucy Horton On Death – 20170904
Lucy Horton! Lucy is a 72yo hippy, an activist, and an entrepreneur. I met Lucy through an attending physician, Dr. Dehoff, and I am glad to bring her perspective to the podcast. During this conversation, we discuss her cross country ramblings as a young hippy, her 15yrs on a commune in Vermont with 18 other people, joining an Episcopal Church because she wanted to attend school on Sundays, and serving as a volunteer escort for women’s health clinics.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Lucy Horton On Death – 20170904”On a placeholder for disquiet
Another week. Another 20ish consults in the hospital.
Continue reading “On a placeholder for disquiet”On a return to my groove
I didn’t want to return to the hospital. However, I did and I am better for it.
Continue reading “On a return to my groove”Michael Douglas On Death – 20191010
Michael Douglas! Michael is a 53yo primitive skills teacher, community mentor, and educator. I met him at his Maine Primitive Skills School and have been following his work ever since. We do not discuss the decade-old charge against him: please listen to the intro for further details. During this conversation, we discuss the importance of shared story, how community reverses entropy, and why the sacred question should guide us all.
Continue reading “Michael Douglas On Death – 20191010”On a week off
This has been a wonderful week off. I have reconnected with Mackenzi and we have continued to settle into our home.
Continue reading “On a week off”On high volume and low processing
Vacation week has officially begun. And it started with our baby pooping at 6a.
Continue reading “On high volume and low processing”Rashad Malik Davis On Death – 20180329
Rashad Malik Davis! Rashad is a 26yo creative, lover of stories, and story-teller. I met Rashad during my undergraduate years at Tufts University, and I’ve quietly kept tabs on him ever since. He recently published his first illustrated children’s book, Carefree Like Me!, one that I highly recommend reading as he promotes empathy, compassion, and diversity through a heartfelt story. In this conversation, we discuss the painful genesis and healing journey of his book, his deeply rooted spirituality, and the importance of representation in the stories that we tell.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Rashad Malik Davis On Death – 20180329”On necessary brevity (or the beginning of Consult Liaison Psych)
Spent the weekend in Boston for a good friend’s wedding. Bachelor party was this past March, and it was wonderful to close the loop on this experience. A great time, however I am totally spent and done and so tired, just need six hours of naps. Quick REPS check-in and back to the hospital grind.
Continue reading “On necessary brevity (or the beginning of Consult Liaison Psych)”On flexibility (or Emergency Psych: a post-mortem)
Today is a bit of a wacky day, with Mackenzi transitioning to night shift (6a-6p) for the next six days. So, I’ll review the end of my residency rotation, then reflect on family changes, and finally end on where I am.
Continue reading “On flexibility (or Emergency Psych: a post-mortem)”Camille Culbreath On Death
Camille Culbreath! Camille is a 27yo unexpected mama and comedian. Camille jumped on my radar this past Mother’s Day with a post about her son, Arthur, and the story of his birth via cryptic pregnancy.
During this conversation, we discuss how she thought she was dying when she was actually very pregnant, how her brother’s unexpected death separated her family, and how this unanticipated bundle of joy reunified her family.
Continue reading “Camille Culbreath On Death”On coincidence and timing
On Monday, I drove about an hour south of my home to float and unwind a bit. The stress of dramatic life change wound up my neck and my nerves, to say nothing of what it has done to the people directly affected by the upheaval.
So, on my cloudy day off, I took a bit of time for myself.
Continue reading “On coincidence and timing”Tasia Percevecz On Death [REPOST]
Tasia Percevecz! Tasia is a 28yo athlete, coach, and believer. Tasia recently competed in the 2018 CrossFit Games and placed first with the CrossFit Mayhem Freedom team. In this conversation, we discuss the High, Low, Buffalo of the CrossFit Games, how an abusive relationship now allows her to connect with fellow humans, and her single mother’s strength as she mourned the death of her siblings.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Tasia Percevecz On Death [REPOST]”Scott H On Death Once Again
Scott H! Scott is a 30yo follower of Christ, family medicine resident, and realist. In the two years since our first conversation, he has experienced a truly wild ride to earn the title of physician.
During this interview, we discuss the lows associated with failing two board exams, how identifying with his faith kept him above water, and why he never considered himself a suicide risk when he wasn’t sure he would graduate medical school.
Continue reading “Scott H On Death Once Again”Pamela Wible On Death
Pamela Wible! Pamela is a 51yo family medicine physician, emotional bungee jumper, and expert on physician suicide. I met Pamela as a keynote speaker on the topic of why doctors are killing themselves. We caught up and decided to record an interview for the podcast!
During this conversation, we discuss her fondest childhood memories in a morgue with her father, how a pediatrician’s funeral service woke her up to the epidemic of physician suicide, and why she released her book on Juneteenth with endless optimism for a day that can change everything.
Continue reading “Pamela Wible On Death”Nate Baker On Death
Nate Baker! Nate is a 33yo emergency medicine resident physician, father of three, and Purple Heart recipient for wounds received in combat. I have known Nate since the very first days of medical school: he is a passionate and logical fellow who loves to challenge the status quo.
During this conversation, we discuss the value of song to change our mental state, his experience as a wounded infantryman, and what heaven means for a problem-solver.
Continue reading “Nate Baker On Death”Dayana Pereira On Death
Dayana Pereira! Dayana is a 43yo Feldenkrais practitioner, co-parent, and transplant from Uruguay. I met Dayana, without actually introducing myself, while we alternated between the sauna and ice bath at her healing and wellness center, Koru Real Wellness.
During this conversation, we discuss the tension between her strict religious school upbringing and the Uruguayan wilderness, the difference between reverence and spirituality, and how working as a living statue in Australia taught her the importance of breath.
Continue reading “Dayana Pereira On Death”Nicho Watts On Death
Nicho Watts! Nicho is a 30yo father, Christian, and trader. I grew up with Nicho as a childhood friend and we have been loosely following each other since high school graduation.
During this conversation, we discuss his return to Christianity, the importance of stories and archetypes for a developing mind, and why he wants his death to feel like taking off a watch.
Continue reading “Nicho Watts On Death”Suzie Marschhausen On Death
Suzie Marschhausen! Suzie is a 28yo mother, writer, and coach. I attended high school with Suzie and have been watching her personal and spiritual journey from afar. During this conversation, we discuss her recent Ayahuasca ceremony, the difficulty of releasing attachment as a new parent, and how the pain of abandonment takes on a new meaning for her.
Continue reading “Suzie Marschhausen On Death”Adam Arazi On Death
Adam Arazi! Adam is a 30yo traveler, dog-father, and son. I have known Adam for almost a decade and we have both changed dramatically over this time. Shockingly, his father died unexpectedly 10days after recording this interview. During this conversation, we discuss his existential confusion, why he may expatriate to the Philippines, and why he intentionally does not think about sudden death.
I hope you enjoy!
Continue reading “Adam Arazi On Death”Chloe Costigan On Death
Chloe Costigan! Chloe is a 31yo physical therapist, teacher, and half-orphan. I met Chloe while interviewing her husband, John Giacalone, and quickly realized she’d be a wonderful guest. During this conversation, we discuss what makes a good clinician, why she considered herself a flight risk, and how she has been shaped by the death of her father at an early age.
Continue reading “Chloe Costigan On Death”Eugene Kim On Death Once Again
Eugene Kim Once Again! Eugene is a 29yo student, recorder, and gamer. In the nearly three years since his original interview, Eugene has been physically much closer to life and death.
During this conversation, we talk about everything from: being indoor humans and how one day we might be more apelike to the game of Go/Baduk. The importance of connectedness and community shine throughout our conversation with an optimistic look forwards toward his future as a psychiatrist, father, and human.
Continue reading “Eugene Kim On Death Once Again”Mackenzi Kim On Death Once Again
Mackenzi Kim Returns! Mackenzi is a 27yo mother, 4th year medical student, and future family medicine physician. In the intervening three years since her initial interview (the first ever On Death episode!), she dove headfirst into a relationship, married her partner, and birthed a wonderful son.
During this emotionally vulnerable conversation, we discuss her lessons from the deaths of family members, what she has learned from a few months of motherhood, and how she imagines a wonderful reunion with loved ones after death.
Continue reading “Mackenzi Kim On Death Once Again”On Death 2019 Season Prospective
This week, I tease a bit of the upcoming 2019 Season of the On Death Podcast!
Jim Goodreau On Death [REPOST]
Jim Goodreau! Jim is a 71yo retired vascular surgeon, Air Force brat, and grieving father. I met Jim as a coach for my medical school program, SELECT, and I’ve been itching to sit down with him to dig through his rich and profound life experiences. During this conversation, we discuss his time as a Naval surgeon covering a huge swath of patients, his two strokes, and the immense losses of two of his sons.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Jim Goodreau On Death [REPOST]”Bansi Savla On Death [REPOST]
Bansi Savla! Bansi is a medical student, a Jain, and an incredibly thoughtful 22-year-old. During this lovely conversation, we talk about time, death, her faith, all in a way that is relatable and digs at essential truths.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Bansi Savla On Death [REPOST]”Michael Caron On Death [REPOST]
Michael Caron! Michael is a 40yo father, coach, and motivator. I met Michael while at a yoga teacher training and we have kept in touch ever since. I chose this time to interview him because of the recent birth of his son, Stadler, who was 1mo old at the time.
We dive deep into one of the hardest months of his life, with the death of a life-long friend as a result of brain cancer and the loss of his matriarch grandmother. He read the eulogy at both services and I’m sure the stories will leave an impression on you, like they did me.
Additionally during this energizing conversation, we discuss his formative years through a semester at sea, the wonder of being a new father while being present for a stepdaughter, and his philosophy on leadership and self-development.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Michael Caron On Death [REPOST]”Ayden LeRoux On Death [REPOST]
Ayden LeRoux! Ayden is a 29yo artist, writer, and BRCA1+ human. I’ve known Ayden since my grade school days where we won a swing dancing competition together and we haven’t spoken for almost half a decade, this interview served a chance to catch up and see where life has taken us. During this conversation, we discuss the intertwining of science and magic to predict her future health, Land Art installations as spirituality, and how a partner changes our plans for death.
I hope you enjoy 🙂
Continue reading “Ayden LeRoux On Death [REPOST]”On a date night (or a meditation on webs of support and fruits of labor)
On Friday night, we enjoyed together our first extended (2+hrs) trip away from Joonsu and Honey.
Continue reading “On a date night (or a meditation on webs of support and fruits of labor)”Kristen Prosen On Death [REPOST]
Kristen Prosen! Kristen is a 26yo herbalist, yoga teacher, and scared white woman. I’ve had the pleasure of learning Thai yoga massage from her and she teaches with grace and understanding. In this conversation, we discuss the universal relationship of plants, activism through addressing cultural bias, and the death of her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Kristen Prosen On Death [REPOST]”On parental physicality (or baby chronicles: Part Nine)
To train for parenthood, I would recommend a training regimen of carrying a 15# dumbbell or kettlebell. Varying methods of holding the object, maybe by the handle, cradled against the chest, or even gentle dancing. Doesn’t matter, just keep holding it and don’t put it down.
Carry this object for increasing amounts of time. Maybe start with one accumulated hour of carrying every day. Build up to a few long (30+min) holds in there. Keep that thing close and with you all day.
Continue reading “On parental physicality (or baby chronicles: Part Nine)”On gaming and boredom (or baby chronicles: Part Eight)
I’m not sure if I should consider this a regression, a coping mechanism, or simply flexing parts of my personality that haven’t moved in years.
Continue reading “On gaming and boredom (or baby chronicles: Part Eight)”On 2018 (as told through weekly reflections)
For the past two years, I’ve paused at the end of each calendar year to reflect on the previous 52 entries. Categorizing them allows a rough idea of my focuses and relative attention. Listed in descending order of thematic frequency.
Continue reading “On 2018 (as told through weekly reflections)”On building practices now for the future (or baby chronicles: Part Seven)
The solstice has come and gone. Joonsu is four weeks old, almost exactly one full lunar cycle. So much has happened that I do not have the time or energy to document. Here are some things that pop to mind.
Continue reading “On building practices now for the future (or baby chronicles: Part Seven)”On Death 2018 Season Retrospective
This week, I reflect on the first discrete season of the On Death Podcast!
During this solo-cast, I review the 19 wonderful and intimate interviews that comprised this 2018 Season.
Then, I provide some sneak previews into the 2019 Season ahead.
Happy Winter Solstice! I hope that your year dies gracefully and your year begins well.
On self-care in the time of a newborn (or baby chronicles: Part Six)
Time passes differently when you have a small baby in the home.
Continue reading “On self-care in the time of a newborn (or baby chronicles: Part Six)”On newborn reflections (or baby chronicles: Part Five)
So much has occurred over the past 13 days of life. I could write dozens of 500+word reflections without scrubbing the bottom of the pot for material. However, as a new parent of a newborn, I have neither the energy nor the dedicated time to start such an endeavor. So rather than jumping headlong into one topic, I will list some quick points to broadly cover the gamut of the past two weeks. Also, this better reflects my scatter-brained mind-space.
Continue reading “On newborn reflections (or baby chronicles: Part Five)”Becky Orton On Death
Becky Orton! Becky is a 45yo mother, CrossFitter, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I met Becky while coaching at CrossFit Juggernaut in NH before entering medical school: she and her daughter would workout together and I initially thought they were sisters! A testament to her energy and love of life.
During this conversation, we discuss motherhood and the story of her eight children (four biological and four adoptive), the experience of losing Ben, and the rewards of fostering medically fragile children.
On a birth day (or baby chronicles: Part Four)
The following comes from a text message group, utilized to keep loved ones updated on the Labor & Delivery of our first child. Commentary is found in italics.
November 25, 2018
0827a – 7th hr of labor
Hello! I made this group text to keep those close to us informed about baby and the labor. We believe that she has begun labor as of about 1a this morning. Please be kind to the others in this group and keep your responses to a minimum! I will keep you abreast of updates as we experience them!! Love you all, keep our growing family in your thoughts please.
Continue reading “On a birth day (or baby chronicles: Part Four)”
On the third trimester (or baby chronicles: Part Three)
August 15, 2018
25weeks 6days gestation
It’s funny to me that he already wakes up Mackenzi with his wriggling and writhing in her belly. When she gets up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, this startles baby awake and he dances and explores his little area. I have trouble even sensing him most of the time, but he’s already so interactive with Mackenzi.
Continue reading “On the third trimester (or baby chronicles: Part Three)”
Jerel Mair On Death Once Again
Jerel Mair Once Again! Jerel is a 30yo follower of Christ, soon-to-be physician, and black man. Since the initial interview two and a half years ago, Jerel has joined the workforce and is currently preparing for the MCAT to enter medical school.
During this conversation, we discuss the trap of the greasy rope, why he revels in talking to other humans, and what he learned from the deaths of his grandparents who served as his parents.
On a letter from past self and to future self, once again
Dear Past Eugene,
There is no way to prepare for the changes that you face ahead. The path to now, Current Eugene, is long and circuitous. You write “no two dogs, just a cat and an Andre.” Now, we have one dog, no Andre, and a baby on the way.
Continue reading “On a letter from past self and to future self, once again”
Camy I On Death Once Again
Camy I! Camy is a 26yo OB/GYN resident physician and suicide survivor. Between the August 2017 initial interview and this conversation, Camy has finished medical school, attempted suicide, and begun her intern year of residency. We discuss the challenge of asking for help when you know how the system works, why the two interviews feel like two separate people, and how she has grown so much in only a year.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Randall Sheffield On Death Once Again
Randall Sheffield! Randall is a 29yo doctor of physical therapy, yogi, and friend. Since our previous conversation about 18mo ago, Randall has graduated from PT school, developed himself spiritually, and stepped into his role as a speaker and teacher. During this conversation, we discuss how Gainesville, FL kicked off his spiritual journey, why he hasn’t touched a barbell in weeks, and Randall relates a recent brush with mortality off the beach of Costa Rica.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Ashley Caron On Death
Ashley Caron! Ashley is a 36yo Burly human, athlete, and badass mom. I met Ashley through her spouse, Michael, a previous interviewee on the podcast who is equally motivated and inspirational. During this conversation, we discuss the challenges of motherhood at 26 versus 36, the early death of her uncle, and why she wants desserts on her deathbed.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
John Foley On Death
John Foley! John is a 29yo athlete, brother, and lover. I met John the first weeks of freshman year at Tufts University, over a decade ago, and we have been close friends ever since. During this conversation, we discuss his combative relationship with religion, the roast of his grandmother at her funeral, and why he is learning statistics on his commute to work.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Alex Szymanski On Death
Alex Szymanski! Alex is a 19yo leader, athlete, and Catholic. I met Alex four years ago while coaching for the high school rowing club in New Hampshire. Because of me, he performed many burpees. During this conversation, the importance of sharing experiences, we discuss why he does not fear death, and why respect is the cornerstone of leadership.
Tasia Percevecz On Death
Tasia Percevecz! Tasia is a 28yo athlete, coach, and believer. Tasia recently competed in the 2018 CrossFit Games and placed first with the CrossFit Mayhem Freedom team. In this conversation, we discuss the High, Low, Buffalo of the CrossFit Games, how an abusive relationship now allows her to connect with fellow humans, and her single mother’s strength as she mourned the death of her siblings.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Jim Goodreau On Death
Jim Goodreau! Jim is a 71yo retired vascular surgeon, Air Force brat, and grieving father. I met Jim as a coach for my medical school program, SELECT, and I’ve been itching to sit down with him to dig through his rich and profound life experiences. During this conversation, we discuss his time as a Naval surgeon covering a huge swath of patients, his two strokes, and the immense losses of two of his sons.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the second trimester (or baby chronicles: Part Two)
May 11, 2018
12weeks 1day gestation
We’re out. People know. I get to tell preceptors in open settings that Mackenzi is pregnant. And I get to see their reactions.
Continue reading “On the second trimester (or baby chronicles: Part Two)”
Alana Karma On Death Once Again
Alana Karma Returns! Alana is a 22yo survivor, phoenix, and hyperdimensional immortal alien. Since our last conversation 16mo ago, she endured a horrific car accident that left her in a coma, without the use of her left side, and memory issues because of massive brain swelling. Now, just under a year since the crash, she is recovering function and learning new skills.
During this conversation, we cover the long road between the accident and now, why these events might turn her into a better teacher, and how she has learned to appreciate her left side glitches.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the other side again (or 6 days since Step Two)
I have thought about the relaxation over the past week since the long day of testing. Yes, there has been so much decompression from the final sprint of third year. Each day of release has me feeling more like myself and less like the anxious and wound-up Eugene that finished Prologue.
Continue reading “On the other side again (or 6 days since Step Two)”
On the taper (or 1 day to Step Two)
This past week, the almost-end-of-the-grind, has been challenging. I am rounding off my rough edges and filling in the not-very-fun gaps in my knowledge. Lots of flashcards and questions. Trying to stay mentally fresh with frequent short breaks and lots of silliness with Mackenzi.
Hunter Frost On Death
Hunter Frost! Hunter is a 20yo tree climber, country boy, and survivor. He is also my brother-in-law and we sat down for this interview 2mo after a horrific car accident in which he fractured his L1 vertebra.
During this conversation we discuss the challenges of tree climbing, the shifts in a 4yr relationship that began at 16, and the harsh perspective of breaking your back in a motor vehicle accident.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On doubt and interruptions (or 8 days to Step Two)
Practice test on Monday went well. Felt the fatigue as the sixth and seventh hours continued and this reflected in the scores. Test-taking will be as important as test-knowledge.
Continue reading “On doubt and interruptions (or 8 days to Step Two)”
On a return to the grind (or 15 days to Step Two)
This week with Mackenzi, baby, Honey, and Nala has been wonderful. Two humans with two dogs. Both are stinky and very needy, they walk at very different paces, and both love to gnaw on bully sticks. Most importantly, they both love to snuggle.
Continue reading “On a return to the grind (or 15 days to Step Two)”
Jen Rudolph On Death
Jen Rudolph! Jen is a 39yo journeyer, mother, and wife. During this conversation, we discuss why she tries to withhold judgment on other minivans, the peace she felt when her grandfather died in his sleep, and why the death of two cousins serves as a reminder to stay present.
I hope you enjoy!
John Giacalone On Death
John Giacalone! John is a 34yo husband, coach, and observer of patterns. I met John through mutual friends when I tweaked my neck after moving up to PA. Here, he is known as the Mobility Doc and the founder of the Lehigh Valley Barbell Club.
During this conversation, we discuss his vision for the future of both physical medicine and the world at large, speaking with his dying grandfather on the day of his wedding, and why he wants to be the guy that nobody knows.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Ayden LeRoux On Death
Ayden LeRoux! Ayden is a 29yo artist, writer, and BRCA1+ human. I’ve known Ayden since my grade school days where we won a swing dancing competition together and we haven’t spoken for almost half a decade, this interview served a chance to catch up and see where life has taken us. During this conversation, we discuss the intertwining of science and magic to predict her future health, Land Art installations as spirituality, and how a partner changes our plans for death.
I hope you enjoy 🙂
Eric Garza On Death
Eric Garza! Eric Garza is a 41yo professor, hunter, and suicide survivor. I met Eric online through primitive skills and ancestral plant groups, and his podcast A Worldview Apart caught my interest for his unique decolonization perspective. He speaks like a professor and as you’ll learn during this interview, has many diverse interests and skills from bow-making to inner tracking.
During this conversation, we discuss hunting as connection to landscape, pushing ourselves to take the shot and learn the skills, and the near death experience of his suicide attempt.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Kristin Clague Reihman On Death
Kristin Clague Reihman! Kristin is a 47yo physician, healer, and mother. She serves as a coach for students in my medical school program, and that’s how I met her during first year. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation, which we recorded in the room she birthed her fourth child. In this interview, we discuss the death of her mother when she was eighteen, her own near death experience fraught with pain, and how her spirituality is connecting with others.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the first trimester (or baby chronicles: Part One)
March 21, 2018
4weeks 5days gestation
We found out on Wednesday, the second week of the Surgical Clerkship. Mackenzi took a urine pregnancy test the day before, but the results were inconclusive. I felt like I knew the weekend prior that she was with child. I didn’t tell her, though.
Continue reading “On the first trimester (or baby chronicles: Part One)”
Michael Caron On Death
Michael Caron! Michael is a 40yo father, coach, and motivator. I met Michael while at a yoga teacher training and we have kept in touch ever since. I chose this time to interview him because of the recent birth of his son, Stadler, who was 1mo old at the time.
We dive deep into one of the hardest months of his life, with the death of a life-long friend as a result of brain cancer and the loss of his matriarch grandmother. He read the eulogy at both services and I’m sure the stories will leave an impression on you, like they did me.
Additionally during this energizing conversation, we discuss his formative years through a semester at sea, the wonder of being a new father while being present for a stepdaughter, and his philosophy on leadership and self-development.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Caroline Wilson On Death
Caroline Wilson! Caroline is a 19yo college student, positive human, and survivor of a traumatic brain injury. I met Caroline while coaching crew in New Hampshire for Great Bay Rowing, and she served as a right-hand coxswain for the team. During one of our dryland practices, she fell and hit her head on cement. This caused a 2wk-long Elmer Fudd stutter and a long road to recovery. Luckily, she had her grandmother nearby, who underwent chemotherapy at the time.
In this lovely conversation, we discuss the plastic nature of memories especially when you have impaired long-term memory, how a positive reframe of a situation can change your outlook on life, and the nature of social crutches and how they help us function.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Rashad Malik Davis On Death
Rashad Malik Davis! Rashad is a 26yo creative, lover of stories, and story-teller. I met Rashad during my undergraduate years at Tufts University, and I’ve quietly kept tabs on him ever since. He recently published his first illustrated children’s book, Carefree Like Me!, one that I highly recommend reading as he promotes empathy, compassion, and diversity through a heartfelt story. In this conversation, we discuss the painful genesis and healing journey of his book, his deeply rooted spirituality, and the importance of representation in the stories that we tell.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On Death revisited, again
This past December, I put On Death on hiatus. The interview series, released every other week, had been going strong since inception in March 2016. Originally every week, I extended the releases to every other week to better balance the medical student with the interviewer.
[REPOST] Camille Imbo On Death
Camille Imbo! Camille is a 25yo fourth year medical student, an older sister, and a black woman. I met her during a SELECT session this year and the rawness of her laugh put her on my radar. During this conversation, we discuss the importance of names and how they change identity, the politicization of blackness, the inseparable mix of purpose and potential, and the soulmate bond between herself and her grandmother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On a wintery spring break (or how I met Honey)
Spring break, the week-long gap between my Women’s Health/Peds and Surgery clerkships, comes to an end today. We had far more snow than we expected, given the springy weather of the previous weeks. Winter in its final throes, I’m sure.
Continue reading “On a wintery spring break (or how I met Honey)”
[REPOST] Alana Karma On Death
Alana Karma! Alana is a 21yo artist, student, and performer. I met Alana through the Sacred Floats and Gems nebulous (which brought previous guests Kenny Henderson and Jared Roa to the podcast). Her canvases include skin, both inked and painted, fire, and aerial silks. In this heady conversation, we discuss her Mohawk heritage, Wiccan upbringing, and the sacred fire.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
[REPOST] Ian Covell On Death
Ian Covell! Ian is an 18-year-old athlete, soon-to-be college student, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about the power of risk and jumps, the fine difference between atheism and agnosticism, and the importance of embracing your true emotions.
I know you will enjoy this lovely conversation with a profoundly interesting and unique young person!
[REPOST] Anna Shon On Death
Anna Shon! Anna is a 57yo mother of two, a devoted Catholic, and a good friend. In this conversation, we talk about the death of her parents and how this influenced her own vision for end of life, her aversion to burials, and her optimism for the future.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
[REPOST] Stephen Grow On Death
Stephen Grow! Stephen is a father of two, a follower of Christ, and a loving husband. In this conversation, we discuss the difficulties and benefits of homeschooling, the difference between being a Christian and having a relationship with Jesus, and how a hug can change a life.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
[REPOST] Tavia Rahki Smith On Death
This week, we sit down with Tavia Rahki Smith! She’s a lovely friend of a friend with an exuberance and zest for life about her, and I am so glad I got to hear her responses to the four prompts! This is also the first podcast with a live audience, and that definitely enhanced the experience for me as an interviewer. Check this out! I think you’ll enjoy our deep dive On Death 🙂
Chris On Death
Chris! Chris is a 38yo future family man, survivor, and question mark. When I moved to Coopersburg, the first person I met would later shoot Chris five times. He survived the wounds to his leg, arm, and head and six months out, he is well on his way to a full physical recovery.
During this conversation, we discuss the mental and emotional recovery from such a traumatic experience. We talk about his feelings towards his uncle, the shooter. And most of all, we ruminate on this opportunity to change, the shift in perspective after a brush with death, and how he plans to move forward with his life.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Aleks Bacewicz On Death
Aleks Bacewicz! Aleks is a 28yo fourth year medical student, future psychiatrist, and dancer. I rotated through Consult Liaison Psychiatry with her and we both grappled with a difficult case (20171008 – On “Jim”). During this conversation, we discuss her Polish heritage, her love of pole, and her restorative Sunday practices.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Yehia Mishriki On Death
Yehia Mishriki! Yehia is a 63yo physician, Christian, and father. I met Dr. Mishriki during my Internal Medicine rotations and I have been quietly dogging him ever since to sit down for a conversation. And it has been worth the wait.
We discussed how his life changed over four hours: becoming a widower 28yrs ago during the birth of his second daughter. We explore his Christian faith and how his belief in perfect love helped him through the challenges of his life. And we even cover Star Trek, Near Death Experiences, and a quantum physics explanation for the existence of God.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Christina G On Death
Christina G! Christina is a 26yo future surgeon, former Christian, and current leader. She spoke at the Student Clinician’s Ceremony that kicked off my third year of medical school, and ever since then I’ve been itching to sit down with her. In this conversation, we discuss her complicated relationship with a Christian faith, the separation of a cash register, and the importance of integrity.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On Death, revisited
A few weeks ago, on my first hunt and while waiting for Mike to finish setting up a tree stand, Nic asked me, “Why do you make the podcast?” He was curious, thinking there to be a master plan behind the madness.
I responded, “To make it.”
Cat Thomas On Death
Cat Thomas! Cat is a 32yo expressive arts facilitator, a multi-modal artist, as well as a feline and canine caretaker. I met Cat through a network of lovely humans and she happened to work at Moffitt Cancer Center, next to my University of South Florida medical education. There, she facilitates a therapeutic expressive arts experience for caregivers and patients. During this conversation, we cover her journey to this work, her adventures in grandma’s forest, and why she wants to die at 103.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Eugene H Kim 