Who is Joanne beyond the white coat? In this candid get-to-know-you episode, Erin fires rapid-fire questions that reveal Joanne's Puerto Rican roots, black belt grit, marathon mindset, and the belief shift that moved her from pure science to honoring intuition. You'll hear the sliding-door choice that led her to adult psychiatry and the family traditions that shaped her drive to serve. Press play to meet the person behind the mic and leave inspired to trust your own inner compass.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• Discover the energy mix she lives by: coffee, early mornings, ocean mindset, and dulce de leche
• Learn how she shifted from only science to trusting intuition and growth work
• See the sliding-door decision that led her to adult psychiatry over child psychiatry
• Hear the "did it scare" moment that unlocked a new season of her life
• Feel her core intention for every room she enters: leave people inspired

Connect With Us
Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Holiday shopping can feel like relief, but your brain may be getting played. We unpack how scarcity timers, FOMO, and quick dopamine hits push impulsive buys, then offer simple rules that protect your money, time, and peace. You will learn how to pause, ask better questions, and swap stuff for experiences that actually satisfy. Press play to build an intentional plan before the next "limited-time" offer.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• How marketers trigger your amygdala with scarcity, timers, and "only 3 left"
• Why dopamine spikes from "Buy now" and BOGO fade fast, and how to pause
• Make a rule, then follow it: add a 24–48 hour buffer to curb impulse buys
• Ask better questions: "Is this good for me now and for future me?"
• Count the real cost of stuff: money, space, time, clutter, and mental load
  
  

Connect With Us
Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine

Holiday cheer can hide a heavy lift. Nearly half of adults feel more stressed from November to January, and many face the holiday blues or seasonal affective disorder. In this episode, we break down what to watch for, how expectations and routines shape mood, the simple resets that help (morning light, protected sleep, clearer boundaries, saying yes to help), quick planning moves to prevent overload, and when to seek support at 988. Press play to learn the red flags and small changes that can steady your season.

Key Takeaways To Listen For

• What separates Holiday Blues from SAD and how that changes your plan
• Why low mood, sleep swings, or hopelessness are red flags to act on
• How morning light boosts mood and resets your body clock
• Start here: set clear yes/no boundaries and exit plans to protect energy
• Try small assists: accept help and delegate to cut mental load

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• 44. Beat the Holiday Blues with These Practical Mental Wellness Tips
• 49. Thanksgiving Special: How Practicing Gratitude Impacts Your Well-being
• National Institute of Mental Health

If you or someone you know is struggling with overwhelming feelings, you're not alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. There's always someone ready to listen and help you through.

Connect With Us
Do you want to hear more from the ladies of the Create Meaning In Medicine podcast? Discover more empowering content when you go to https://www.createmeaninginmedicine.com!

▶️ Watch our videos: https://youtube.com/@createmeaninginmedicine