In this heartfelt episode of Supporting Physician Spouses, Kendra and Katie pause to acknowledge the heaviness in our world right now. With tragic shootings, heartbreaking losses, and ongoing uncertainty, many of us feel shaken and weary. Together, we explore what it means to steady ourselves when the world feels unsteady—and how to cultivate peace that is both grounding and real.

We walk through six steps that help us (and can help you) navigate turbulent times:

1. Return to the Basics — Sleep, water, nourishment, and movement aren’t luxuries; they are anchors for your nervous system.

2. Let the Hard Be Hard — Peace doesn’t come from denial. Acknowledging pain allows us to process it without rushing to fix.

3. Lean into Faith and Values — Reconnect with your higher power, your community, or the values that give life meaning.

4. Focus on What You Can Control — Even small actions, like tidying a space or decorating with your kids, help restore calm.

5. Connect with Others — Peace is often carried communally. Don’t isolate; reach out for support or offer it to someone else.

6. Look for Flecks of Gold — Joy and sorrow can coexist. Notice the small, shining mercies and moments of tenderness that remind you of goodness.

Along the way, we share personal stories—feeling discombobulated, finding grounding through walks or decorating, the power of a kind text, and the simple healing of connection.

Whether you’re a physician spouse navigating the added weight of medicine’s demands or simply someone searching for steadiness right now, this conversation offers both practical tools and gentle reminders: you are not alone, peace is possible, and the small things really do matter.

Referenced Episodes:

• Ep. 3 & 4 — The Basics of Self-Care

• Ep. 7 — Who’s in Your Corner? Building a Strong Support System as a Physician Spouse

• Ep. 8 — Spiritual Self-Care When Life is Loud

Listen in, take what steadies you, and remember: even in heavy times, flecks of gold can still be found.

In this heartfelt episode of Supporting Physician Spouses, Katie and Kendra welcome Katie’s husband, Dr. Talon Harris, a 3rd year FM resident, for a candid conversation about the realities of medical training, marriage, and family life. From childhood crushes to the challenges of residency leadership, the Harris family story shines a light on resilience, faith, and partnership in the physician spouse journey.

Together, they explore:

• The Harris family’s love story — from first grade to marriage and medicine.

• How setbacks, rejections, and divine interventions shaped Talon’s path to medical school.

• What it means to pursue leadership as a resident while raising three young children.

• Imposter syndrome in medicine — and practical advice for overcoming it.

• Program culture: how family-friendly residencies make a difference.

• Balancing home and hospital life with intentionality and small daily rituals.

• The importance of vulnerability, mental health awareness, and leaning on support systems.

This episode is both real and encouraging — a reminder that behind every physician’s journey is a family navigating the highs, lows, and in-betweens together.

Ep 16: Katie in the Hot Seat – Life, Residency, and Resilience

In this episode, the tables turn—Katie steps into the hot seat as Kendra interviews her about her journey as a physician spouse. From meeting her husband back in elementary school to navigating medical school, residency, and raising three kids, Katie opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons along the way.

She shares her unique match-day story (involving balloons and a happy dance), what she feared most about starting residency, and the surprising ways her faith and community supported her family during hard seasons. Katie also reflects on the pressure-cooker effect medical training has had on her marriage, what she would tell her younger self, and the decisions that have made residency more sustainable for her family.

If you’ve ever wondered what life really looks like behind the podcast mic, this is the perfect episode to get to know Katie better.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Welcome & Katie in the Hot Seat
• 01:00 How Katie Met Her Husband & Their Wedding Story
• 03:00 Match Day Balloons & Residency Adventure
• 07:00 Fears and Excitement Entering Residency
• 09:00 Finding Support & Preparing Mentally for the Journey
• 10:00 Advice to Her Younger Self
• 12:00 Facing Rotations & Hard Seasons
• 13:00 Looking Ahead: Life After Residency
• 15:00 Living Like a Resident & Housing Choices
• 16:00 How Medical Training Has Impacted Marriage
• 18:00 The Best Decisions That Made Residency Easier
• 19:00 Staying Present & Finding Joy

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