263. It’s Okay to Have Fun: The Evolution of a Happy Doctor with Dr. Beni Seballos

This episode is an invitation to allow joy, play, and fun to take their rightful place in your life—without guilt, resistance, or apology. Beni Seballos, a family physician, mom, wife, daughter, and radiant soul shares how she went from overwhelmed and over-responsible to energized, creative, and genuinely happy. Beni transformed her from a life of self‑sacrifice and exhaustion to one of trust, fun, healing, and inspired leadership. Pearls of Wisdom: Joy isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. Reconnecting with play isn’t about doing more; it’s about living more.  Joy, play, and creativity can flourish alongside medicine.   Defining “what’s my job” helps free up energy for what truly matters and allows others to step up. Fun is a compass, not a reward: when you lean into it without guilt or apology, you invite vitality and connection. True change often starts quietly, within you—but it inevitably ripples outward, positively shifting family dynamics, workplace culture, and your sense of what’s possible. Letting go of over-responsibility, people-pleasing, and perfectionism is uncomfortable—but it clears the way for clarity, connection, and creativity. Coaching and retreat experiences are not for “broken” people—they serve those ready to learn, unlearn, and rediscover vibrancy. Reflection Questions: What brings you joy or fun? What do you do purely for your own delight? How might your life shift if joy, creativity, or play became valid priorities on their own? What routines or roles are simply no longer fun for you—and may be ready to be released? If you’d love to explore what this kind of joyful evolution might look like for you, I invite you to consider joining me for a transformational retreat at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats or working with me one-on-one through coaching at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. And if you’re looking to bring a fresh, mindful approach to your team or institution, I offer speaking engagements and workshops at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking. You can also connect with Dr. Nichang Liang and explore her beautiful offerings at www.awakenbreath.org. Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

Have ever felt like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong, especially in medicine?  Honoring your truth, even in a high-intensity field like neurosurgery, can lead to deep healing, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. An intimate and courageous conversation with Dr. Jenny Kang, a neurosurgeon who shares her inspiring story of transformation—one that challenges traditional definitions of success and fulfillment in medicine, particularly for women in surgery.  Jenny and I first connected when she came to a Pause & Presence retreat over a year ago. Since then, she has reconnected with herself, her family, and created a life she loves.  Her story is one of coming home to yourself and standing tall once you get there, even if you work in operating rooms built for much taller people. Pearls of Wisdom: You don’t have to do it the way you were told or even the way you once believed you should. There are many ways to practice medicine with meaning. When women physicians live aligned lives, they bring healing into medicine and themselves. Fulfillment in your career and personal life is not only possible, it’s necessary. Shame often arises when you do things differently in medicine. It doesn't mean you have done something wrong. Creating a life that works for you takes courage, creativity, and compassion—and it’s always worth it. When you let go of the belief that you don’t belong and instead decide that you do, everything begins to shift. Reflection Questions: Where in your life are you living by someone else's mold or definition of success? What would change if you decided you belonged? What parts of your life have you labeled “indulgent” that might actually be essential for your healing and wholeness? If you're ready to design a fulfilling life that fits who you are, I invite you to explore coaching with me at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. Or join me on a retreat like Jenny did, www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats. If you're seeking a speaker or workshop leader for your organization or event, visit www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking.  To bring Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang to your audience, visit www.awakenbreath.org. Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

A heartfelt conversation with an ER physician, poet and author.  From a Studio in Oakland, California: 108 Notes on Existence, is a must-read - whether you’re an ER physician, a young adult navigating the uncertainty of life, or someone simply seeking meaning and alignment.  I discovered this book serendipitously a few weeks ago. Enia and I connected via her publicist, who reached out asking if I was interested in receiving a copy of the book. Because the title had the word Oakland in it, near where I grew up, her email caught my eye. Then I saw that an emergency room doctor had written it.  So I said yes.  Once the real book arrived in my real mailbox, it was clear that we were meant to connect.  Every passage resonated deeply.    The book, released in May 2025, is a powerful integration of poetry, soul, and the lived experience of a physician waking up to a life more deeply felt.   It is a beautiful and honest invitation to reconnect with ourselves, especially when we've been trained to disconnect.  Pearls of Wisdom from our conversation: Your soul knows when you’re out of alignment. Dr. Oaks ( a pseudonym) shares how taking a pause—not knowing what came next, was what brought her back to life. We explore the courage it takes to step away from what’s expected to reconnect with what’s real. Disillusionment is a pathway, not a failure. We talk about how medicine teaches us to disconnect, but the cost is profound. Dr. Oaks’ writing gives voice to the silent grief and subtle truths that live within many of us. You don’t need permission to live a beautiful life. Through her reflections and poetic insights, Dr. Oaks reminds us that we are not here to endure life—we are here to feel it, shape it, and choose it. Reflection Questions: What might you discover if you allowed yourself to pause, even for a moment? How might your life shift if you believed you were already whole? What would it feel like to choose a path because it feels right, not just because you can? I encourage you to get yourself a copy of From a Studio in Oakland, California: 108 Notes on Existence.  It's a book to keep close by, to fold the corners of, and return to again and again.   Please share the book, and this podcast conversation, with others. AND please join Enia and me for a book club on July 13th @ 5 pm Pacific on Zoom. More info coming soon. If you're feeling the pull to reconnect with yourself, explore what’s next, or live more fully, join me for a coaching journey at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching.  Evem better, join me in person and come to a retreat where we rediscover alignment, community, and joy: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats. If you’d like to bring a conversation like this to your team, institution, or conference, reach out for speaking opportunities at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking. Connect with Enia Oaks through her website at www.eniaoaks.com. Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

This episode is an invitation to explore travel through a different lens—a mindful one.  Whether you're traveling for work, visiting family, or taking a long-awaited vacation, we hope that this conversation helps you bring more intention, presence, and ease. We offer gentle, grounded tips to help you redefine what success looks like when you travel. It isn't about doing the most or chasing the perfect itinerary. It's about traveling in a way that honors your energy, desires, and well-being. Pearls of Wisdom: Setting a clear intention—before and during travel—transforms the experience from obligation or exhaustion to meaning and presence. Let go of old stories: travel doesn’t need to be long, far, busy, or impressive to be meaningful. Less can be more—and sometimes more is more—when it’s chosen with intention. Be kind to yourself as you plan and move through travel. That might mean fewer obligations, more flexibility, and yes, even booking that easier flight or skipping a hike to rest. Leave room to breathe—literally and figuratively. White space in your itinerary allows for awe, spontaneity, and true connection. Choose presence over pressure. Redefine what a “successful” trip looks like, not by what you see or do, but by how you feel during and after. Reflection Questions: What’s your intention for your next trip? What do you hope to feel, experience, or remember? What would shift if you permitted yourself to travel with more ease? How might your energy, relationships, and memories change if you traveled from presence, not pressure? What would it feel like to create space for rest, awe, or mindful moments while you're away? At the end of the episode, you’ll hear a touching story of a simple walk to pick up pizza that became a treasured moment—a beautiful reminder that presence is what makes memories magic. If this conversation resonated with you, and you’re longing to move through life, work, or travel with more intention, consider reaching out to Jessie for coaching. Together, we can explore your path forward both at home and while traveling, with more clarity and ease. If your team, department, or institution is looking to bring more mindfulness and wellbeing into how they live, work, and lead, reach out to Jessie for a talk and workshop. Connect with Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and her beautiful work at www.awakenbreath.org. Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

A deeply personal and inspiring episode that invites you to gently explore a question many of us were never taught to ask: What are you proud of—about yourself?  In this heart-opening conversation, we share honest reflections on identity, humility, and the discomfort so many of us feel around owning our success.  You’ll hear personal stories about pride, parenting, professional pivots, and the quiet courage it takes to celebrate yourself out loud. You’ll also hear how this question has become a meaningful part of Jessie’s retreats and how it has changed lives, including her own. Pearls of Wisdom: Feeling proud is not the same as arrogance—it’s a practice of self-recognition and self-love that can shift everything from imposter syndrome to confidence. Many high achievers, especially women and physicians, have been conditioned to deflect compliments and downplay their accomplishments. When we choose to own our worth, we give others permission to do the same. Redefining success on your own terms allows for authenticity, joy, and a more aligned life—one not driven by ego, but by meaning and values. Celebrating our contributions—no matter how small—helps us show up brighter, more inspired, and more grounded in purpose. Pride often involves courage: moving practices, raising children, recovering from illness, creating businesses, setting boundaries, and choosing aligned paths all take intentional effort and bravery. Reflection Questions: What are you proud of—about yourself? What’s your current definition of success, and does it reflect what you truly value? Is there something you need to let go of to define success on your own terms? What might shift if you stopped deflecting praise and began celebrating your contributions? What’s one thing you’ll commit to owning more fully going forward? If this conversation resonates with you and you’re ready to explore your worth, voice, and purpose in a deeper way, consider joining Jessie for a retreat at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats or for coaching at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. These spaces are crafted for exactly this kind of transformation. If you’d like to bring this conversation to your team or audience, We both offer speaking and workshops at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking. And www.awakenbreath.org. *Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

In this reflective solocast, Dr. Ni-Cheng invites you to join her on a journey into the lives of two very special Bald Eagles—Jackie and Shadow—and their eaglets, high above Big Bear Lake, California.  She shares both the magic of nature and powerful life lessons that resonate far beyond the treetops. This episode is for anyone who: Loves wildlife or is fascinated by eagles Enjoys learning from real stories in nature Wants to reconnect with their authentic self Could use a gentle, heartfelt reminder to slow down and pay attention You’ll hear: Fascinating backstory about the Bald Eagle's conservation comeback The unique behavior of Jackie, a rare eagle who stayed close to home Observations from this year’s nesting season, including the joys and heartbreaks of raising eaglets in the wild The whimsical antics of nocturnal visitors, Fiona and Fast Freddie (San Bernardino Flying Squirrels) Life lessons inspired by the patience, strength, and partnership of these majestic birds Pearls of Wisdom Nature has much to teach—if we pause and pay attention. Parenting, even for eagles, involves trust, mistakes, love, and resilience. Slowing down, observing, and honoring natural rhythms can bring us wisdom and peace. Humor and whimsy are everywhere in the wild—yes, even squirrels in an eagle's nest! You can invite more nature into your life intentionally, in both big and small ways. Reflection Questions What aspects of nature most captivate you? How can you bring more of the natural world into your daily environment? What lessons might nature be offering you right now? Resources Mentioned: Eagle Nest Cam: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org Tune in for stories, insight, and a little eagle-inspired magic. Nature is always nearby—you simply have to notice.   Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us - virtually and/or in-person. Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com Work with both of us in person at The Mindful Healers Annual Retreat www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast www.awakenbreath.org  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.    

In this episode of Healing Medicine, we explore the powerful metaphor of cleaning windows as a way to gain clarity in our minds and lives. Inspired by a real-life experience of hiring professionals to clean her skylights, Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang reflects on mindfulness, yoga, and coaching as intentional practices to clear the metaphorical grime from our perspective and lens of awareness. We don’t usually realize how cloudy our outlook has become until we make space for clarity. Listen to discover how letting in more light—both literally and figuratively—can transform how you see and experience life. Pearls of Wisdom: Mindfulness is Window Cleaning: Just as windows gather dirt and grime, our minds collect judgments, biases, and old stories that cloud our perspectives. Mindfulness helps clear away these mental residues, allowing us to see the present more clearly. Clarity is Kindness: Gaining clarity through mindfulness, yoga, or coaching not only benefits us but also those around us. It opens us to lightness—both in terms of illumination and the relief of mental weight. Investing in Clarity is Worth It: Often, it takes an unexpected nudge to prioritize self-care. Just as investing in professional window cleaning brings unexpected brightness, investing in personal growth yield profound shifts. Awareness Precedes Change: Often, we don’t know how cloudy our mental windows have become. Practices that foster mindfulness, reveal how patterns like judgment, negative bias, or people-pleasing color our experiences. Moving from Default to Choice is Empowerment: With clearer mental windows, we gain the ability to move from habitual reactions to intentional, mindful choices that align with our values.   Reflection Questions: When was the last time you “cleaned your windows”—both literally and metaphorically? Are there thought patterns, biases, and/or assumptions clouding your perspective? What might become more beautiful and clear if you took the time to "clean your windows"? Take a step toward clarity by joining Jessie for a retreat. You’ll experience practices to clear your mental and physical windows through coaching, yoga, mindfulness, and community. You’ll also get to enjoy the sparkling windows! Learn more and reserve your spot here: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats If you would love fresh perspective and to feel free from mental grime, consider coaching with Jessie one-on-one: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching If you enjoy the Healing Medicine Podcast, both Jessie and Ni-Cheng  are available for workshops, keynote talks, and retreats for groups. Simply reach out. *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.  

This episode honors the many facets of mothering—through every season, from being a mom of young children to mothering teens, adult children, and even grandchildren.  Whether you're a new mom or an empty nester, this episode is for you. Previous Healing Medicine Mother's Day Episodes include: 196. Stop Apologizing when you haven't done anything wrong  197. Do you feel Underappreciated? 134. Mindful Wisdom from a New Grandmother  74. Your Relationship with your Mother 72. Mother’s Day Gift 71. How to be an even better mom 121. Exploring the “Richness” of the Mother-in-Law Relationship  In this episode, we discuss how to embrace change as our children grow and how to practice mindful presence and trust as a parent.  We talk about the importance of showing up—sometimes just being there without fixing or controlling—and allowing our children to navigate their own paths.   Pearls of Wisdom: No exam—or any milestone—is worth your health. Prioritize well-being over perfection. Your kids don’t need fixing; they need you to hold space, listen, and trust them. Getting help helps—building a supportive village makes the journey lighter and richer. Let go of the need to control outcomes; instead, trust your children’s process of growing up. Mothering adult children means embracing their independence while still being present with love and acceptance. If this episode speaks to you, join one of my upcoming retreats: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats. If you are navigating the transition to motherhood, empty nesting, or finding your way as a mom in medicine, I offer coaching to support your journey: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. If you would like to hire Dr. Mahoney or Dr. Liang to speak or lead a workshop for your team, institution, or conference, please visit: Dr. Mahoney: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking Dr. Liang: www.awakenbreath.org *Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.

Welcome to Healing Medicine, formerly known as the Mindful Healers Podcast.  This episode is a heartfelt thank you, an intentional pause, and a meaningful unveiling. After 250 episodes and over 150,000 downloads, we are stepping more fully into who we’ve always been—with clarity, purpose, and love.  Our rebrand is not a departure, but a deepening.  Healing Medicine reflects the essence of what we’ve been offering all along: medicine that heals, and a space to heal medicine—from the inside out.  We are here to help physicians reclaim balance, focus, and a love for medicine, one mindful step at a time. Pearls of Wisdom: Healing Medicine is both a calling and a commitment - to offer medicine that heals, and to heal the culture of medicine so those who want to keep practicing  it can flourish and come alive again. Clarity is love. Our name change is about alignment and visibility. Love would make it easier for those seeking support, nourishment, and community to find us. Mindfulness remains at our core. Our voices, our mission, and our compassionate approach are here to stay—rooted in presence and shared humanity. This podcast honors imperfection. We show up just as we are, and invite you to do the same. The ripple effect is real. If this podcast has supported you, please share it with others who need to know they're not alone. Reflection Questions: What does healing medicine mean to you? Where might you be called to grow in alignment with who you truly are? Is there something in your life or work that needs a name change, a reframe, or a release? How might you help someone else heal by sharing what’s helped you? If our conversations resonate: Come practice with me through weekly online outdoor yoga classes—rooted in mindfulness and offered with heart or explore the many offerings at your own pace on YouTube. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga Or join me to practice in person ata transformative retreat: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats If you’re longing for more alignment in your work and life, coaching is a great next step. Together, we’ll unlearn what no longer serves and plant the seeds of what’s next: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching If you’d like to bring the message of healing medicine to your institution, team, or conference, we offer deeply engaging keynotes and workshops centered on mindfulness, mindset, and sustainable physician well-being: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking To invite Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang to speak on mindfulness or integrative medicine, visit: www.awakenbreath.org Please take a moment to leave us a written review, share this episode with someone it might support, or email us to let us know how it helped you. This work grows through connection, community, and love. Thank you for walking this healing path with us. *Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.  

What if rebuilding strength isn’t about pushing harder—but trusting yourself more?  After decades of practicing medicine with a mindset of pushing through exhaustion, injury, and disconnection, Jessie reflects on how partnering with a personal trainer helped her rebuild something she hadn’t even realized she had lost: trust in her own body. Jessie shares how mindful movement, compassion, and curiosity can heal old patterns of disconnection—and help you grow strength, resilience, and self-trust from the inside out.  This episode invites you to explore the parallel journeys of physical healing and emotional healing—and to remember that trust, acceptance, and compassion are essential muscles to build if we are to live, lead, and heal sustainably. You’ll hear: How physician training teaches us to override our body’s messages—and how to gently unlearn it Why trust, acceptance, and compassion are not luxuries, but essential practices for strength and well-being The surprising ways mindful strength training mirrors mindset coaching How small, intentional shifts both physical and mental, can lead to profound change Why support, investment, and attention are the foundations of sustainable healing Fourteen mindful strength lessons -- applicable far beyond the mat or gym Reflection questions: Where are you ready to begin trusting your body again? Where might leaning into acceptance and kindess offer you more freedom and strength? How would it feel to move through your health, your work, and your relationships with more compassion and curiosity? Healing does not come from pushing harder. Strength does not come from force. Sustainability grows from trust, presence, and honoring what is. When you invest in yourself, with care and attention, you don’t just heal your body.  You heal how you live, how you love, and how you lead. You are stronger when you get support. And you are worth it.  What might this look like for you? 1:1 coaching, small group coaching, a retreat, or something else? Please share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs the reminder that strength, trust, and compassion are skills we can all grow. Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us - virtually and/or in-person. Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in Healing Mdicine, formerly known as the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences. www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast  www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking *Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice. #physicianwellness #mindfulnesscoach #pauseandpresence #physiciancoach