Recent Reads and Listens
It's back! The things I've read or heard that have inspired or spoken to me recently
One of my core values is growth (discover yours here), and I’m continually seeking out new resources in order to do so. As a result, I often end up sharing what I find via social media or messages to friends. So, once again, I’m sharing what I’ve been enjoying recently!
Click through the links to access what sounds good to you. Take what you like and leave the rest.
Once you’ve had a look, I would love you to share your favorites (recent or not) in the comments!
Practical Optimism by Dr. Sue Varma
This book is a powerhouse that combines data and practical tips to help you live a life where you’re flourishing, not merely surviving. As an experienced psychiatrist, she outlines steps to learning behavioral skills that will transform your life. Dr. Varma avoids the trope of toxic positivity and instead chooses practical optimism which allows you to “cultivate a mindset grounded in a belief of boundless possibility… in yourself and others.”
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This was my work book club’s pick of the month, and it got a rave review. It is based on the stories of the women who served as nurses in the Vietnam war and shines a light on their often-overlooked service.
I devoured it in 2.5 days because the story and the writing were so absorbing. However, it is a Kristin Hannah book, so consider yourself warned that you’ll likely be crying more than once.
Brad Stulberg on The One You Feed Podcast: Mastering Change When Everything is Changing
This episode on change is a gold mine. One of the points that really landed with me was Brad’s reminder that we cannot skip to making meaning when things hurt. In other words, when we are having painful life experiences, we can’t skip to the part where we are making meaning and experiencing post-traumatic growth. We actually have to feel the things and experience them.
Listen… I hate this as much as you do, but you know it’s true. You can’t force yourself into being grateful for something or finding meaning before you’ve experienced and processed what’s happened.
Trevor Noah with Esther Perel on Where Should We Begin?
Warning, there are some adult themes in this episode that would make it better for listening without little ears around.
That being said, I LOVED this episode which featured a live conversation between Trevor and Esther. In it, they covered the reason for comedy, deep listening, dealing with stage fright, and navigating small talk. Unsurprisingly, this episode will make you laugh while also walking away with a deeper understanding of being human and how to human a little more authentically.
The Coachable Leader with me(!) on The Growth Edge Leadership Podcast
I was honored to be asked to be on Laurie’s podcast because she is someone who I have admired for a long time. We had a great conversation that covered:
the role of reflection in coachability and self-coaching
the importance of fit in coaching partnerships
guiding ourselves toward clarity and contentment
embracing vulnerability and courage in pursuit of growth
Give this episode a listen and then dig into the archives for multiple seasons of gold.
“Slowly Is the Fastest Way to Get to Where You Want to Be” with André De Shields on 70 over 70
In this episode, the host of 70 over 70 talks with legend Andre De Shields about his life and insights, including the amazing speech he gave when he accepted his Tony award in 2019 (watch here if you haven’t seen it. Magic.). This episode highlights how refusing to settle for “fine” or “comfortable” helps us grow and get to places we didn’t know were possible.
All it takes is one idea to change your life around - Elin Petronella
I’m new to
and loved this post that centers on the life-changing magic of the right idea at the right time. I’ve experienced this myself on several occasions which is how I found my way to writing this Substack. As Elin says in her post, these ideas compound over time, getting us closer to the lives we want to be living if only we have the courage to listen.How Can You Overcome Impostor Syndrome? You Don’t. by Reshma Saujani
I love this take by the founder of ‘Girls Who Code.’ She argues that imposter syndrome is not something to be overcome. Instead, she says that imposter syndrome is a misogynistic scheme that was co-opted to make women (and especially women of color) feel like they don’t belong in order to keep them in their “place.” I’m here for it.
#BicycleFace
Doctor is me by Torie Johnson, MD
This post looks at being a female physician through the lens of the Barbie movie, and it nails the experience for me:
“Barbie” has made me question how much I have always been auditioning for the role of “Doctor,” a socially-constructed archetype motivated by heteronormative masculine values and reinforced by a male-dominated hierarchical structure. This stereotyped “Doctor” is generally performed by hetero-cis white men in movies as well as in medicine’s cultural mythology. He is physically infallible, emotionally impenetrable and all-knowing, walking a fine line somewhere in between super-human and inhuman.
This doctor stereotype is exhausting for everyone in medicine, even if they don’t know it. It requires something inauthentic for everyone whether they are a hetero-cis white man or not. None of us are allowed to be human in this traditional, misogynistic environment which is why I push back on it whenever possible. Medicine is better when we can all be our wonderful, emotion-having, authentic human selves.
That’s it for now. Hope you enjoy!
What are you reading or listening to? Share in the comments below!