Continue reading “On a goodbye to Tampa (or 11 days to Step One)”
Category: Uncategorized
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! 🙂
On delaying the inevitable (or 18 days to Step One)
The new moon is Wednesday and I planned to sit for Step One on Tuesday. Instead, a rough practice exam last weekend shook my confidence and forced re-evaluation. Step is coming, but am I ready?
Continue reading “On delaying the inevitable (or 18 days to Step One)”
On necessary atrophy (or 8 days to Step One)
I want to move. I want to spend the day outside with the glorious Florida spring soaking up the rays of sun before I leave for Pennsylvania. I want to lift the heavy things with my partner. I want to set up my slackline next to my hammock and casually move between the two as I watch the sun trace a path across the sky.
Continue reading “On necessary atrophy (or 8 days to Step One)”
Pooja Jayaprakash On Death
Pooja Jayaprakash! Pooja is 23yo second year medical student and Indian woman with a liberal arts background. I met Pooja during the first week of med school and I have known that she would make an outstanding guest on the podcast. During this conversation, we discuss growing up Indian in Utah, imagining her mixed-race children, resisting the draw of medicine, and the death of her 109yo grandfather with his complicated legacy.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On bitter pills (or 15 days to Step One)
I don’t wanna. I know I need to, but I don’t wanna.
On time dilation (or 22 days to Step One)
I find it hard to believe that I’ve been studying for two weeks. Time seems to move differently during Step Prep. Day after day, each morning I wake up to my alarm, my partner makes coffee, and it feels the same. The morning fugue before I orient myself to the study tasks ahead.
Continue reading “On time dilation (or 22 days to Step One)”
On Wim Hof and Chill (or 29 days to Step One)
7a Wake up: make coffee, poop, stretch, water plants.
9a Begin studying: read a chapter from review texts and complete a block of practice questions.
2p Movement break. Eat food afterwards.
5p Resume studying: more question blocks and review the results.
9p Watch TV and eat.
10p Wind down and lights out.
11p Body in bed and sleep.
Rinse and repeat for twenty-nine more days.
Continue reading “On Wim Hof and Chill (or 29 days to Step One)”
On the change of seasons (or Course Seven: a post-mortem)
Tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox, the moment when day and night balance each other out, the mark of winter’s end and the start of spring. Florida has been expressing spring rebirth for some time with almost every tree pushing out new growth. Up north, in my childhood home of NH or the future home of PA, I know that snows have been freshly laid and the spring renewal is weeks, if not months, away.
Continue reading “On the change of seasons (or Course Seven: a post-mortem)”
Kristen Prosen On Death
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! 🙂
On a maternal grandfather
I see death in three flavors, like an inevitable Neapolitan ice cream: someone close and loved, someone estranged or complicated, and someone distant. This is a story about someone distant.
Lui Espinosa On Death
Lui Espinosa! Lui is a 31yo second year medical student, a burgeoning philosopher-physician, and a runner. He has stood out among my classmates as a human with lived experiences and earned wisdom. During this conversation, you’ll learn about the death of his grandfather as well as his Portuguese friend Anibal, his setbacks and obstacles while growing up and attaining his education, and his joy of life throughout it all.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On a minor concussion
27yo male presents 5days post-fall with occipital contact on semi-padded surface and no loss of consciousness.
Waking up on Saturday, I felt a little groggy. Not sure if it was the ice cream binge of black cherry talenti, or the late night of studying combined with a low pressure system rolling through the morning, or the mild brain trauma of Monday finally showing itself.
Meg Scott On Death
Meg Scott! Meg is a 23yo well-rounded second-year medical student, a follower of Christ, and a runner. I’m honored to call this deeply intelligent human my friend and I look forward to keeping tabs on her future career in surgery. In this conversation, we explore her relationship with Christ, how karate and horseback riding can teach you how to teach, and what the death of her close friend’s father taught her about death.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On relaxing for long-term gains (or the perspective of competition)
It’s been a week since my first grappling competition. A week until C7T2, the next exam for the final block of medical school. The afterglow of adrenaline has fully faded and I’m back in the world: attending lectures, writing my reflections, returning to jiu-jitsu classes, recording interviews, and grinding for Step.
Continue reading “On relaxing for long-term gains (or the perspective of competition)”
On game day (or my first Jiu-Jitsu competition)
D(-5) Day
20170130/Monday
Exam went well. Early morning and some tough questions, but overall felt prepared and that my studying was effective.
Continue reading “On game day (or my first Jiu-Jitsu competition)”
Brian Bernal On Death
Brian Bernal! Brian is a 24yo first-generation Ecuadorian, a second year DPT student at USF, and cousin to many. I met Brian while slacklining last year and he has been a close friend for adventures ever since. During this conversation, we discuss leaving a legacy, his bouts with pneumothorax, and the joys of wandering.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On lobsters and uncomfortable messages
While struggling with the new pressures of second year, a friend sent me a video about lobsters and growth. If you are struggling or feeling pressured, I highly recommend the 90sec story. The message of discomfort as a signal for growth has stuck with me. Now, in the final block of second year with a test tomorrow and on the road to Step, I finally feel like I’ve grown into a new shell.
On a tree a day
Monday
Walking outside my apartment with fresh eyes, I realized that this practice would be two-fold: for my eyes and for my limbs. My eyes are drawn to exciting trees with high ledges and interesting branches. Unfortunately, at this stage in my monkey-ing about, my eyes serve up a meal larger than my limbs can process. For these trees near my apartment, well-manicured live oaks with strong limbs at least four feet off the ground, the difficulty seems to lie in the first move. I think to myself, ‘If only I could get to that first branch!’ while grabbing hold of a crook here and placing my bare foot there and ineffectively throwing my weight into the air.
On ramps (or merging into the traffic of responsibilities)
The past week has been a slow acceleration into the final Course of second year. All week, I’ve told folks that I’m treating it as an on-ramp; not quite at merging speed though I’m getting there.
Continue reading “On ramps (or merging into the traffic of responsibilities)”
On a New Year (or winter break in Yuba City)
After leaving the warmth of a Florida winter, with a quick layover in Minneapolis, we arrived in Northern California on the 28th. Yuba City, which is north of Sacramento (or ‘Sac’ as the natives say), is less a city and more a collection of orchards and rice paddies with some low buildings sprinkled in. My partner’s family lives in a small ranch home nestled between rows and rows of pruned trees waiting out the cold. Here, we enjoyed the second half of winter break with deliciously cold showers, slow wifi, and lots of comfort food.
Continue reading “On a New Year (or winter break in Yuba City)”
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! 🙂
On 2016 (as told through weekly reflections)
Looking back on a solar cycle through weekly reflections is an incredibly satisfying practice. With hindsight on my side, I can easily identify the ecstatic highs and emotional lows, as well as how they both seemed to last forever. Categorizing the posts into distinct groups (love, medical school, physical practices, travel logs, and misc musings), I can quantify the emotions over the past year. Continue reading “On 2016 (as told through weekly reflections)”
On Christmas (or winter break in Jacksonville)
Has it already been a week since finals? I’m writing this on Christmas morning with a fresh cup of coffee and not much on the agenda.
Continue reading “On Christmas (or winter break in Jacksonville)”
Keaton Fletcher On Death
Keaton Fletcher! Keaton is a doctoral candidate, a singer, and an optimist. I met Keaton while coaching and he always stood out as a beacon of positivity and good vibes. During this conversation, we talk about his near death experience, the awe of visiting Rome for the first time, the luxury of optimism, and the joy of mentoring.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On a well-deserved break (or Course Six: a post-mortem)
Course Six, what a rollercoaster. The end of 2016 has brought about challenges and opportunities for growth in my academics, athletics, and personal life.
Continue reading “On a well-deserved break (or Course Six: a post-mortem)”
On practicing while hurt
I woke up Wednesday morning with an ornery elbow and without my partner.
Talha Rashid On Death
Talha Rashid! Talha is a 27yo second year medical student, a Muslim, and a pessimist. As a quiet and reserved classmate, I’ve been itching to sit him down for an interview and to learn about his past. In this conversation, we cover the passing of his grandmother, Oblivion, and how Pakistani corruption formed the basis of his moral code.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the end of a long month
November 2016 is finally in the rear-view mirror. It’s been a long and challenging month, but with the solstice ahead and winter break only two weeks away, I can revel in the fact that the grind will pause. So here’s a stream-of-consciousness reflection.
On Thanksgiving break
A few days off classes and four days with family does wonders for the psyche.
Samson Lu On Death
Samson Lu! Samson is an incredibly talented and passionate musician, as well as a MD/MPH student and my doppelganger, when I had long hair. In this conversation, we discuss race, music, the art of teaching, and how to leave a legacy.
I hope you enjoy!
On giving thanks
I’m thankful for the challenges of the past year, from the academic to the personal. I’m thankful for my health, without which I would be nothing. I’m thankful for endings, for they help define beginnings.
Diego Gomez On Death
Diego Gomez! Diego is a Christian, a mutt, and a man of deep faith. I met Diego while coaching and his humor and personality always lit up the room. In this conversation, we talk about how he found and accepted his faith, his mixed latino heritage, and his hopes for the future.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Continue reading “Diego Gomez On Death”
On Starcraft and Jiu-Jitsu
I’ve been playing Starcraft again. A few games a day, short and aggressive study breaks to keep my mind active before I dive back into powerpoints and flashcards. I feel more engaged than scrolling through Facebook, passively consuming clickbait content.
Anne Laverty On Death
Anne Laverty! Anne is a 26yo second year medical student, women’s studies major, and dreamer. I truly enjoyed this opportunity to sit down with Anne and talk through the four prompts; she’s a lovely human that lights up a room and has been described as an ‘enthusiastic dancer’. In this conversation, we discuss being a lover, developing community-based approaches to health care, and finding comfort in failure.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Robyn Panchaud On Death
Robyn Panchaud! Robyn is a 31yo first-year medical student at USF, a Bermudan, and thoughtful human. I met Robyn while presenting on mindfulness to SELECT, and she stood out because she was the only person to ask me a question! In this conversation, we talk about grieving for her lost identity as a musician, how she encounters prejudice through her interracial marriage, and writing her father’s eulogy with her brother.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On fall break
A bulleted recap of my week between Course Five and Six:
On decompressing and readjusting (or Course Five: a post-mortem)
Course Five ended on Thursday, with the NBME final. I failed the first exam and passed the next two. Still awaiting results on that final.
Continue reading “On decompressing and readjusting (or Course Five: a post-mortem)”
Michael Watson On Death
Michael Watson! Michael is currently a third year medical student, a hunter, and coach. This interview’s pulled from the Dirty Dozen, the gestational episodes for this podcast, almost six months ago! In this conversation, we talk about skin in the game, fear, and Michael’s developed perspective on coaching.
I hope you enjoy!
On a writer that doesn’t read
If we are what we do repeatedly, then I am a mover, a writer, and a student.
On cut hair (or a meditation on identity)
For a while, I told myself that I would cut my hair to express mourning. I liked the idea of physically showing inner turmoil after the death of a family member, an outside change to reflect the inside like the ancient Greeks or Prince Zuko. Removing choice from the equation felt simpler: if someone dies, then I cut my hair. No decision to be made and no discussion or feedback to elicit.
Continue reading “On cut hair (or a meditation on identity)”
Julia Rauchfuss On Death
Julia Rauchfuss! Julia is a medical student (MS3 now, MS2 during recording in March), a sister, and a daughter. In this conversation, we cover why she’s a dreamer, how she wants to reuse her organs after death, and what family means to her.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Ben Croll On Death
Ben Croll! Ben is a 24yo second year medical student, former EMT, and 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. In this lovely conversation, we talk about everything from Slaughterhouse Five, to what he learned from the passing of his father, and the importance of virtue versus accomplishment. Additionally, you’ll hear his undergrad philosophy background in his thoughtful and intellectually clear responses to the four prompts!
I hope you enjoy 🙂
On a fledgling romance (or an open love letter to my partner)
The highlight of the past year has been you, Mackenzi, and I want to put into written word the reasons why. I will fall short and I will look back on this letter with regret for phrases I could have added or words that I would excise. Regardless, I will bring a dictionary to the world of feelings and love.
Continue reading “On a fledgling romance (or an open love letter to my partner)”
Usman Ahmad On Death
Usman Ahmad! Usman is a 29yo second year medical student at the University of South Florida, an advocate, and thoughtful human. In this conversation, we talk about everything from a possible Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, to firearm research, his Muslim upbringing, and everything in between. You’ll hear his thoughtfulness and gratitude for life in his responses to the four prompts.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On getting my groove back (or returning to my practices)
On Thursday, I experienced my first arm-bar: a submission technique where the elbow is cranked open into hyper-extension with the power of an opponent’s hips. While sparring earlier in the week with a different partner, I had been put into the position, but they did not apply pressure, did not force me to tap out of discomfort and panic. This partner did and I am truly grateful for that experience.
Continue reading “On getting my groove back (or returning to my practices)”
On catching up again and again (or the calm before the MS2 storm)
While in NH a few weeks back, I met up with a CrossFit athlete and coach, Joey Vachon. He had recently competed in the East Regional, a feeder competition for the CrossFit Games, the highest level of measurement for the Sport of Fitness. It had been a few weeks since his debut at Regionals and I used this as an excuse to talk about him, rather than myself, while we caught up and ate burritos at Chipotle.
Continue reading “On catching up again and again (or the calm before the MS2 storm)”
Haley Goetz On Death
Haley Goetz! Haley is a rising sophomore in college, almost 19 years old, and an aspiring filmmaker with dreams of changing and exploring the world. I met Haley while coaching for Great Bay Rowing Club: she stood out as a mischievous and thoughtful individual. In this conversation, we talk about the difference between paganism and animism, the beauty of questioning through science-fiction, and what she learned from the passing of her canine companion Buster.
I hope you enjoy!
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!
On the road, from CO to MO (or summer travels: Part Nine)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160615 – Wednesday
I woke up around 7a. The toilet worked well and without incident, thankfully, and I edited together my podcast with Par S for On Death while preparing coffee upstairs. Again, no one on the land except myself and the animals. Every time I went up, I triggered the Overly Alert Dog Alarm system and at least two pups would run up to me, crushing the silence.
Continue reading “On the road, from CO to MO (or summer travels: Part Nine)”
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! 🙂
On the Education of a Physician (2016 – Year One)
“I want to provide budding pre-meds with an unfiltered perspective of what challenges they will face, if they gain acceptance into a medical degree program.
I want to provide fellow medical students with an honest and vulnerable account of my challenges and struggles, so that we can know we are not alone in this results-driven community.
I want practicing physicians to better understand the new generation of doctors that will be training under them and working alongside them.
And, I especially want the lay-person to know that we are not simply white coats with stethoscopes, but deeply flawed and hopeful humans that aim to heal others.”
Continue reading “On the Education of a Physician (2016 – Year One)”
On the road, in CO (or summer travels: Part Eight)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160612 – Sunday
We woke up around 9a, making some jasmine tea in Ian’s quonset with his electric kettle to avoid the big morning rush of bodies to the COBS common kitchen. We talked and planned our day, as I’d be leaving the following morning since he had to leave for an overnight photography assignment around 8a.
Continue reading “On the road, in CO (or summer travels: Part Eight)”
Karen Holland On Death
Karen Holland! Karen is a mother of two, a teacher, and a yogi. I met her during a yoga for teens training, which she led with grace and intelligence. She currently teaches elementary and middle school aged children, and her thoughtful responses to the four prompts will leave you thinking for quite some time! We chat about her Catholic upbringing, how to raise sensitive and old-soul daughters, and what spirituality means to her.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Nick Plimpton On Death
Nick Plimpton! Nick is a 32yo second year medical student, a polite Minnesotan, and a thoughtful future pediatrician. In this interview, we talk about the turbulence of a medical education, Minnesota and Disney princesses, and how to operate in this diverse world with folks of various gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the road, in CA (or summer travels: Part Five)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160530 – Tuesday
We awoke around 9a, my partner before I so she began the coffee process in Mark’s kitchen, which was delightfully furnished. Stainless steel knives were suspended magnetically above the countertop, the gas range was sturdy and seemed cast-iron, and as she brewed, I tidied up a bit around the room.
Continue reading “On the road, in CA (or summer travels: Part Five)”
Par S On Death
Par S! Par is a Punjab Sikh, a skilled medical professional, and a loving husband. As you’ll discover in this interview, he’s a skilled talker filled with opinions on grit, immigrant families, and the importance of knowing your own value.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the road, from UT to CA (or summer travels: Part Four)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160524 – Tuesday
Up in the early, cool morning, everything is a bit stiff but refreshed to be sleeping out in the tent again. That morning Utah mountain air is something else. My partner made coffee, I packed up camp, and we headed out to our final westward leg to Los Angeles.
Continue reading “On the road, from UT to CA (or summer travels: Part Four)”
Eugene Kim On Death
Eugene Kim! Eugene is a rising second year medical student at USF, a coach of crossfit and crew, and the initiator of this podcast! This week, Mackenzi Frost (previous On Death interviewee) turns the four prompts on your usual host for a delightful and sometimes rambling conversation on teaching versus coaching, love versus fear, and the value of a practice.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On the road, from CO to UT (or summer travels: Part Three)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160521 – Saturday
It’s 430a and we are settled into the hotel just outside of Denver, our mad dash to the mountains completed— never really stepped foot onto Kansas, but I’ll explore these flat plains some other time.
Continue reading “On the road, from CO to UT (or summer travels: Part Three)”
Grant Italiano On Death
Grant Italiano! Grant is a twenty something, spiritual but not religious, who provides thoughtful responses to the four prompts in this short interview from the dirty dozen! We talk about family, reincarnation, and love.
I hope you enjoy!
On the road, from KY to KS (or summer travels: Part Two)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160519 – Thursday
The next morning, my partner and I woke up to birds chirping, woodpeckers tapping, and crows cawing. We had picked a spot away from others but quite near the water front— the Kentucky Lake was just a few yards from our zipper door.
Continue reading “On the road, from KY to KS (or summer travels: Part Two)”
Bansi Savla On Death
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! 🙂
On the road, from FL to KY (or summer travels: Part One)
What follows is a lightly edited and mostly stream-of-consciousness travel log of my journey from Florida to California and back again.
20160516 – Monday
Yesterday my partner and I drove from JAX to ATL, about a six hour journey, through some side roads and away from the highly populated areas. This was awesome in that we got lovely rolling hills, small amounts of traffic, and a relaxing driving experience— but this also meant we were without cell service! Something we’d need to get used to on this journey 🙂
Continue reading “On the road, from FL to KY (or summer travels: Part One)”
Doug M On Death
Doug M! Doug is currently a camp host with the National Forest Service, a 66yo retired carpenter, and grandfather. He’s a born and bred woodsy mountain type from the Tennessee mountains, near the North Carolina border. His down-to-earth wisdom and speaking style will enchant you, as we weave our way through the four prompts in this lovely conversation.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
On quiet endings (or First Year: a post-mortem)
I’m quite spent.
Continue reading “On quiet endings (or First Year: a post-mortem)”
Afif Abu-Hanna On Death
Afif Abu-Hanna! Afif is a first year medical student and a wonderful mix of American-Israeli, Arab, and Christian. We talk about the future of health care, week-long traditional Arab weddings and funerals, and the art of teaching.
I hope you enjoy!
On the transition from spring to summer (or Course Four: a post-mortem)
Three exams down, I’m sitting here waiting for Monday and preparing for Wednesday. Tomorrow, cumulative final exam scores will be posted and I’ll find out if I have passed Course Four, or if I’ve failed and required to remediate over the upcoming summer.
Continue reading “On the transition from spring to summer (or Course Four: a post-mortem)”
Jasmine Kashkoush On Death
Jasmine Kashkoush! Jasmine is a first year medical student, a Muslim, and incredibly insightful despite her age of 22. She is family-oriented, wants children, and the passing of her grandparents has informed her perspective on death.
I know you’ll dig this lovely conversation, please enjoy!
On the last three steps (or maintaining discipline as MS1 ends)
Experienced tight-ropers, whether slackers or wire-walkers, know that the last three steps are the most dangerous. Once you have a certain level of technical proficiency, then walking a long line is merely a matter of sustained attention and focus.
Continue reading “On the last three steps (or maintaining discipline as MS1 ends)”
Carly Waldman On Death
Carly Waldman! Carly is a first year medical student at USF, the daughter of a physician, and was raised in the Jewish faith. Currently, she aspires to be a surgeon, and her responses to the four prompts highlight her independence, depth of thought, and determination to heal others in order to help them.
I hope you enjoy!
On the rhythms of life and riding the wobble (or the end of my CrossFit Gaspar journey and the start of Jiu Jitsu)
Goodbye CrossFit Gaspar. I love you all.
Hello Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This going to be a wild ride.
Preethi Rajan On Death
This week, we listen to Preethi Rajan‘s responses to the four prompts!
She’s a first year medical student without a science degree (big deal!), the daughter of immigrants, as well as a thoughtful lady with a depth of life experience. We talk about arranged marriages, breaking bad news, and love. She currently aspires to be a pediatrician, and also actively performs with Say Ahh! Capella, a USF Health student acapella group.
Preethi’s responses will leave you thinking, and I hope you enjoy!
On being alone versus being lonely (or coming to grips with the absence of invitations)
Friday night. I see the posts on facebook: peers are out on the town, burning the club down.
Saturday morning. I watch the stories on snapchat: friends on adventures without me.
And I’m alone, sweating in an empty Korean spa, writing and reading until I fall asleep.
Samson Lu On Death
This week, we listen to Samson Lu‘s responses to our four prompts On Death! He’s an incredibly talented and passionate musician, as well as a MD/MPH student and my doppelganger. His thoughtful discussions on race, music, teaching, and legacies will leave you much to ponder!
I hope you enjoy!
On teaching a panda Kung Fu (or the dilemma of a medical education)
How do you learn to teach? How do you teach to learn?
Continue reading “On teaching a panda Kung Fu (or the dilemma of a medical education)”
Jerel Mair On Death
This week, we sit down with Jerel Mair and listen to his responses On Death! He’s a lovely fellow, I met him through CrossFit Gaspar, and he subsequently invited me with open arms to his church, Aletheia in New Tampa. Jerel is a warm and old soul, and I think it shows in our conversation. We talk about his Christian faith, his upbringing, and how he wants to be remembered!
I hope you enjoy 🙂
On an abortion debate (or the benefits of controlled stress on a relationship)
“Frost.”
“Ohhh… I’m sorry. You’re up, Mackenzi.”
“Kim.”
“…”
And then the lecture hall went nuts.
Continue reading “On an abortion debate (or the benefits of controlled stress on a relationship)”
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 🙂
On being a zebra, not a cheetah (or failing most of medical school)
I am a zebra; chunky, awkwardly proportioned, and highly visible. I am not a cheetah.
Continue reading “On being a zebra, not a cheetah (or failing most of medical school)”
Bansi Savla On Death
This week On Death, we chat with Bansi Savla! She’s a terribly sweet fellow medical student at USF, and she gives some delightfully thoughtful and unique answers to the four prompts. I know you’ll enjoy this conversation, her personality shines through the recording!
On grit, Netflix, and The Punisher (or a meditation on rearranged and delayed gratification)
Rearranging gratification allows me to feel awesome now about a thing that I’ll be doing later.
Julia Rauchfuss On Death
This week On Death, we sit down and chat with Julia Rauchfuss!
She’s a lovely (and quite mousy) MS2 that I’ve known for a while now, but this is the first time I’ve really ever sat down one-on-one with her and dove into some deep subjects! I think you’ll enjoy this conversation and be delighted by her responses 🙂
On slacking (or a meditation on falling)
There are two basic skills in slacklining: getting on the line and falling off the line.
Randall Sheffield On Death
This week On Death, we chat with Randall Sheffield and hear his responses to the four prompts! Randy is one of my best friends within medical school, and an outstanding coach and athlete. Thoughtful, kind, and humble a few ways to describe him. During this delightful conversation, we talk about travel, love, and family.
I hope you enjoy!
On horses and equine-assisted self exploration
Horses can teach you a lot. As prey AND pack animals, they are incredibly attuned to body language and vocal tonality. A patient, my peers, and myself have all learned something unique from our time with these creatures.
Continue reading “On horses and equine-assisted self exploration”
Ali-Musa Jaffer On Death
This week On Death, we hear Ali’s thoughtful and well-versed thoughts on the four prompts! He’s a fellow medical student at USF, and we met during the first days of classes. Since then, he’s invited me to Friday prayers, and we’ve had some excellent conversations. I knew he’d be a great guest: he did not disappoint!
Sit back, and enjoy 🙂
On writer’s block (or Course Three: a post-mortem)
Usually, as I post one #LongFormSundays post, I already have the next percolating— this week, nothing.
Continue reading “On writer’s block (or Course Three: a post-mortem)”
Diego Gomez On Death
This week On Death, we listen to Diego Gomez‘s responses to the four prompts! He’s a lovely fellow and an educated Christian, in many ways. We talk about how he found and accepted his faith, and what he hopes to do before he dies.
On learning through Rorschach tests (or a meditation on walking sticks and tapestries)
What is a 5′ long x 1″ diameter PVC pipe to you?
Michael Watson On Death
This week On Death, we sit down with Michael Watson, a good friend of mine and a second year medical student at USF! We talk about coaching, fear, hunting, and skin in the game. This is a lovely conversation and I am glad to share it with you 🙂
On Death (or: Life, as told through four prompts)
I am a student, coach, and writer.
Before I die, I want love to outweigh fear.
When I die, I want to return to nature and the collective consciousness.
After I die, I want the experiments of technology, civilization, mammals, and life to flourish sustainably.
Continue reading “On Death (or: Life, as told through four prompts)”
Grant Italiano On Death
A great conversation with Grant Italiano! Buddy of mine that manages Sacred Floats & Gems. Great fella, hope you enjoy On Death 🙂
On setting goals and the practice of goal-setting
I see dead resolutions.
Continue reading “On setting goals and the practice of goal-setting”
On a cut foot (or an interview with my dad)
My father spent about a year in an orphanage while growing up in post-war Korea. Continue reading “On a cut foot (or an interview with my dad)”
On 2015 (as told through facebook posts)
Interviewing in January for USF
1/26/15
Looking good because of Alyssa and her cutting skills, feeling loose because of Brianne’s magic touch, and feeling great because my mom is looking out for me!
First interview, best interview!
On meta-learning, sharp axes, and flashcards (or Course Two: a post-mortem)
With some time behind me, I can now look back on neuro block and feel an honest bit of job-well-done, despite barely passing.
Continue reading “On meta-learning, sharp axes, and flashcards (or Course Two: a post-mortem)”
On being a patient (as told in three health care interactions)
25-year old male presents to orthopedic sports specialist to image and diagnose a three-year history of R wrist pain upon flexion. No pathological findings upon MRI scan and review. Continue reading “On being a patient (as told in three health care interactions)”
On ‘gunners’ and gunners
I heard the term during orientation, but didn’t stop to ask what it meant until the second week of classes.
On my writing process (or why reflections help me survive and thrive)
It starts with a small idea: these posts begin with a title.
Continue reading “On my writing process (or why reflections help me survive and thrive)”
