What if the most detrimental thing about stress was dictated by what we THINK about stress?   Even crazier, what if REFRAMING our mindset around stress actually made us healthier, happier and more resilient?   On this week's episode it is my distinct honor to have interviewed Stanford psycologist, author, and dance teacher Kelly McGonigal, PhD. Author of the game-changing book "The Upside of Stress" (among others!), Kelly and I deep-dive into all things STRESS: how it got it's bad wrap and how embracing stress can make us stronger, more resilient, and more fulfilled people, and how to cultivate the mindset to do so.   Life is full of stressors, it means we've got something we care about. What if we learned to embrace it and allow it to grow us, to make us more compassionate and fulfilled?   I hope you'll love this conversation as much as I did!   About the Author:   Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist who specializes in understanding the mind-body connection. She is the best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct and The Upside of Stress. Her latest book, The Joy of Movement, explores why physical exercise is a powerful antidote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.   Check out Kelly's website: http://kellymcgonigal.com/ Find Kelly on instagram: @kellymariemcgonigal

Thrive DVM Podcast

82. Reframing STRESS : an interview with Kelly McGonigal, PhD

It's time to take some ACTION.   On this week's episode, we're taking a look at the steps we can take that cultivate more confidence. You'll notice that amongst all these steps there's one major pattern...getting out of your HEAD, and taking ACTION!   Confidence isn't something gained through THINKING about or RUMINATING on it, it's gained through trial and error, taking risks, and letting go of the things that get in the way.   You'll find some big mindset adjustments, but also very TANGIBLE and actionable tips you can implement TODAY in this episode!   Let's gooooooooo!

81. Taking steps towards CONFIDENCE

Why are some people more confident than others???   Genetics? Gender roles? Personal beliefs? Mindset?   Yes. Yes. Yes. YES.   Turns out there are a variety of factors that affect an individual level of confidence - but the BEST news is that NONE of it is absolute and all of it has room for development!   This week we’re discussing some of these things that can be stumbling blocks on our path to more confidence demonstrated in the literature surrounding confidence including our genetic make-up, our societal norms AND the beliefs and mindsets we have that might just require some digging into BEFORE we can really pursue authentic confidence.   You better believe that there’s an actionable piece in this episode and I think it’s one you’re going to benefit from - hope you love it!

80. What gets in the way of CONFIDENCE?

Why are some people more confident than others???   Genetics? Gender roles? Personal beliefs?   Yes. Yes. Yes.   Turns out there are a variety of factors that affect an individual level of confidence - but the BEST news is that NONE of it is absolute and all of it has room for development!   This week we’re discussing some of these things that can be stumbling blocks on our path to more confidence - primarily the genetic component as well as the role of male and female roles in our society can impact our confidence and the behaviors we NEED to cultivate it!   You better believe that there’s an actionable piece in this episode and I think it’s one you’re going to benefit from - hope you love it!

80. Roadblocks to CONFIDENCE pt. 1

What’s something most people feel like they don’t have enough of and definitely want more of?   CONFIDENCE.   Okay, there are a lot of things that fit that criteria, but this week we’re starting our monthlong discussion on CONFIDENCE - what it is, what stands in the way of getting it, how to get it and how to pay it forward.   On this week’s discussion we’re talking specifically about what I feel is THE prerequisite for cultivating true confidence as well as some resources to help you get started and/or continue on your path.   Additional Resources:   The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman Myers-Briggs testing at 16personalities.com Enneagram testing, try free tests online, but then read up! The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin at https://quiz.gretchenrubin.com/ Wholehearted Inventory at https://brenebrown.com/wholeheartedinventory/ Values List at https://daretolead.brenebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Values.pdf

79. What does CONFIDENCE actually look like?

Do you find yourself consistently running into a wall with someone, getting more and more frustrated that they just. don’t. get. it???   In a world where we tend to avoid pain and discomfort (see last week’s episode), difficult conversations are the first thing to go. But these conversations that seek clarity and understanding, while uncomfortable, are the only path forward.   Whether it’s with a client, a manager, or a partner, clear communication and setting expectations is not only necessary but it’s what we ought to extend to one another.   As Brene Brown often says “Clear is kind”, I hope you’ll listen along this week to discuss WHY that is and HOW we can move forward, extending kindness through clarity.

78. Stepping into difficult conversations

In an attempt to avoid "negative" emotions, are we actually taking it too far and creating more hardship for ourselves and others?   I think we can recognize that there's a prevailing message, particularly in social media, that tells us to "stay positive" or "positive vibes only" - a direct result from a cultural shift towards the avoidance of pain and suffering. But by doing this, are we actually creating MORE suffering for ourselves and others?   On this week's episode we're discussing that and some practical tips on balancing having a "positive outlook" and "toxic positivity".

77. Is it possible to be TOO positive?

Every now and again I'll get questions like "WHY did you start this podcast, especially with everything you've got going on?!" and less commonly but still sometimes I'll get "HOW DO YOU START A PODCAST!", so on this week's episode I'm answering both.   Here's what I really hope you take away from this episode, ESPECIALLY if you have zero interest in ever having a podcast...it's not as hard as you think it is to pursue your dreams. You're probably overthinking it when you should take action instead!   You'll hear on this episode how long it took me to finally do the damn thing and launch this podcast (and boy oh boy did I not even FATHOM how amazing this community would turn out to be), and then how honestly SIMPLE it was to do once I did a little (free) research on the internet. I TOTALLY overthought the process and didn't give myself enough credit, and something tells me, that might resonate with you.   So whatever you're sitting on that you want to do but either feel underqualified or think it's going to be expensive and complicated - it's probably not and you definitely ARE qualified. I HOPE that's your takeaway here!   PS - you'll hear me talking about my time as a Beachbody coach as part of the journey of getting me here. I'm not actively coaching anymore, I'm not trying to sell you on that, but I am FOREVER grateful for my time as a coach because of the people I met, the lessons I've learned and tbh their workouts and pre-workout formula are kickass and I love them. Again, not recruiting, but my story isn't complete without including the influence my coaching community had on me and I love them forever for it ;) I wouldn't be here doing this without them and to be frank, I probably wouldn't have completed my residency without them either.

76. BTS: the WHY and the HOW of ThriveDVM Podcast

Can I let you in on a little secret?   About 2-4 months into my first year out of veterinary school I was FREAKING. OUT. Is this what it's going to be like forever? Why don't I feel excited about this anymore? I worked so HARD to get here and wanted this SO badly, so why am I ALREADY kind of...OVER IT?   On this week's episode we're talking about the very TYPICAL thing that happens in the first year after accomplishing such a huge thing like graduating from your doctoral program - a SLUMP. And what to do about it!   The answer might surprise you!

75. Are you in a SLUMP? Here's what to do next...

Our lives are a cumulation of our habits.   So how do we go about incorporating habits we desire for GROWTH and PROGRESS?   On this week's episode we're taking the first steps on building NEW habits that SERVE us with some TANGIBLE and ACTIONABLE steps!

74. Creating HABITS that SERVE you

Is it just me, or is everyone kinda going THROUGH it right now?   Most people I talk to lately feel that to some degree they're in the midst of a difficult or stressful season of life, and everything suggests that for the MOST part, MINDSET is the single best indicator of how well we navigate those seasons and how we will come away from those seasons!   On this week's episode, we're taking a less conventional approach to navigating difficult seasons.   First and foremost - reorienting ourselves with "stress". Truthfully, stress is part of the human experience, and both personal experience as well as data and research demonstrate that trying to eliminate stress is NOT the answer. Rather, embracing the ADAPTIVE power of stress and how it can actually IMPROVE performance and lead to resiliency appears to be the single best way to HACK the stress response in your FAVOR.     Additionally, we're discussing how to strike a balance between "grow through what you go through"/"life is happening FOR you, to TO you" mentality while also ACKNOWLEDGING the reality of difficult seasons of life.    I'm proposing some unconventional wisdom this week and I hope you'll listen and come away from this week's episode asking yourself some different questions and showing yourself a whole lot of compassion!

73. Unconventional wisdom: navigating difficult seasons

We regret to inform you that you FAILED both sections of the general exam.   Quite possibly the hardest words I've ever read and certainly one of the most painful moments in my young career. Not only had I failed to achieve a goal that meant SO MUCH to me, but I failed REALLY PUBLICLY. So many people were rooting for me, were invested in the result and were paying attention to THIS moment.   On this week's episode, as I'm sitting for yet another round of specialty boards on my way to becoming a board certified veterinary neurologist, I wanted to share with you my not-so-shiny reality of FAILING, realizing I needed HELP, getting help and the lessons I've learned along the way. Lessons that have translated to more than just career successes, but have transformed how I view myself, my relationships, and the way I pursue my goals.   The path less traveled is scary and sometimes supremely painful and un-sexy. But it's also a really tremendous opportunity if you let it be!

72. Overcoming failure & learning to GROW in the process - my journey thru the boards exams

Being a human can be really HARD.   As we continue our Mental Health Awareness Month Series, we are joined by Kate Van Vuren who bravely and transparently tells her story of her diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder and unipolar depression.   In addition to a raw conversation about the impact of her diagnosis as well as the fact that it doesn't take a war-time experience to lead to PTSD, Kate and I talk about the IMPACT of being part of the healthcare system on our mental health.   Part of normalizing the need for mental healthcare and destigmatizing seeking out that care is these types of honest discussions - we hope you know that if you're experiencing something similar that you're NOT ALONE and there IS HOPE.   *Trigger Warning* Kate and I discuss self-harm and attempted suicide in this discussion, please be advised if these topics may be triggering for you.

71. Walking through and healing TRAUMA : an interview with Kate Van Vuren

More often than not - mental health is an inside job. This week we're continuing our Mental Health Awareness Month series with part two of my discussion with Dr. Alleman of EmpathosVet. In our first portion of our discussion we discussed the power in DECIDING whose opinions of yourself you choose to give weight to - particularly in the context of strangers on the internet and clients from your practice.   This week's episode we're looking inward! Both at our own clinical environments and the roles we play there, and in SELF-AWARENESS and the necessity for personal development and growth.   Another incredible discussion with Dr. Alleman - and if you haven't already, check out episode 68 which is part one of this two part discussion!   We're rooting for you! Your mental health matters!

70. Change starts HERE : an interview with Danielle Alleman, DVM (part two)

"I'm not sure I'm affected enough to NEED therapy..."   Sound familiar? Maybe you've said to yourself that you're simply not a candidate for therapy because you're not "sick enough" or "affected enough" or "struggling enough" - and yet you ARE struggling...   On this week's episode, and part 2 of our Mental Health Awareness Month Series, we invite Kristi Thrailkill back to the podcast to help us unpack WHO therapy is for, WHAT therapy can entail, and HOW to find access to MENTAL HEALTH CARE. This episode is SO important, and I hope that if you share ONE episode of this podcast, it's THIS one, so that more people can understand why they are a candidate for mental healthcare and how to seek it out!   TL;DR - therapy is for everyone, and just like our physical health, it's best used BEFORE crisis. Preventative medicine applies to our mental health too. (But also, listen to the episode b/c Kristi drops some amazing tips and insights!)   Additional resources mentioned in the episode: Seeking a therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists   Kristi's blog on looking for a therapist: https://www.baltimorefamilytherapy.com/single-post/2018/01/25/finding-the-right-therapist 

69. What you need to know about MENTAL HEALTH CARE : an interview with Kristi Thrailkill

Empowering women in veterinary medicine by equipping them with the tools to thrive both personally and professionally!

hubhopper

Thrive DVM Podcast

hubhopper