In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, we reframe gratitude from “frosting” to fuel. Dr. Gail shares a hallway fork story where a 90-second Thankful Micro-Audit changed an entire conversation, then offers concrete tools: a Lights-Me-Up Inventory to anchor energy, a three-ring Support Map to ask for help without guilt, an ALIGN filter to protect November priorities, the 3×3 Gratitude pattern (clinic, home, self), the Brave Five daily check-in, and a guided one-minute practice you can do in a call room or car line. We close with a gentle invitation to pilot collaborations that grow your impact without draining vitality. Gratitude, spoken specifically and paired with support, becomes the most practical resilience tool you own.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford shares how to reframe life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and happiness. Learn actionable tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights to help you face problems with confidence and turn setbacks into stepping stones. Don’t miss this uplifting and empowering episode!
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
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Resilience is one of those words we’ve all heard — especially as physicians and mothers — but what does it reallymean when life knocks you down? In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford shares her personal journey with resilience: from being handed a massage chair during the pandemic as “support” while dealing with moral injury, to learning what it actually takes to survive and thrive as a single mom in medicine.
You’ll hear 7 practical ways to build resilience, plus stories from Dr. Clifford’s own life, and wisdom from experts like Brené Brown and Viktor Frankl. From cultivating optimism to setting SMART goals, this episode offers real tools you can use — not just buzzwords.
Whether you’re a single mom physician, an executive, or simply a woman facing tough times, this conversation will help you bounce forward, not just back.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
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n this powerful episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford shares how overthinking sabotages our peace, our joy, and even our performance. Learn why staying present is more than just a mindset—it’s a survival strategy for overwhelmed physician and executive moms. With personal anecdotes, real talk, and actionable tips, this episode will help you reclaim your now and finally quiet the noise of what-ifs.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores the powerful link between happiness and the people you surround yourself with. Learn how to evaluate your social circle, prioritize positive relationships, and build a habit of meaningful connections that boost your mood and resilience. Tune in for expert insights and inspiring stories!
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
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In this episode, Dr. Gail Clifford shares candid stories, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom about how to avoid financial pitfalls—and save your sanity. From the worst money advice we’ve all heard to the underestimated power of working with a financial advisor, you’ll get insight into how to reclaim your time, make smarter decisions, and stop glorifying burnout. Plus, what in the world are “exercise snacks” and why are they your new best friend?
What You’ll Learn:
Resources Mentioned:
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail shares personal and professional insights on intentional living—and why it’s critical for overwhelmed physician moms. From her own debate about visiting Disneyland during a conference to helping coaching client Tammy navigate burnout and legal stress, you’ll learn nine powerful ways to live on purpose and reclaim your time, joy, and clarity. Don’t just survive—live intentionally.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford discusses why trying to control the uncontrollable leads to unhappiness. Learn how to focus on what you can influence, let go of stress, and create more joy in your life. Hear expert insights and real-life stories of finding peace in even the most challenging situations.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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Multitasking is a myth—and for busy physician and executive moms, it’s a dangerous one. In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford shares why focus and presence matter more than juggling tasks, how to retrain your brain for single-tasking, and three practical mindset shifts you can use today to boost productivity and reclaim calm.
You’ll learn:
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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Smart women—especially physician moms and executive leaders—often make one major financial mistake: confusing opinions with values. In this episode, Dr. Gail Clifford breaks down the difference between what you think is true and what you know is important, with practical (and hilarious) real-life examples—including a PTA fundraiser and some questionable ex-husband hot sauce.
Learn how this subtle shift in mindset can radically change the way you approach debt, investing, and even spending on joy. Plus, Gail shares three common financial opinions that held her back—and the values that ultimately set her free.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Take Action:
Spend 10 minutes today journaling, texting a friend, or chatting with your kids about what you really value when it comes to money—and what opinions you’re ready to let go of.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to do on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores how to hack your happiness hormones for lasting joy. Learn simple, science-backed strategies to boost dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Hear inspiring stories of how colleagues use these hacks to stay positive and resilient, no matter what life throws their way.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of the Single Mom MD podcast, Dr. Gail Clifford explores what real self-care actually means—and spoiler alert, it’s not bubble baths or green juice. Inspired by a thought-provoking article from Real Simplemagazine and Dr. Pooja Lakshmin’s book Real Self-Care, this episode dives into why setting boundaries is the most powerful skill you can develop as a busy physician or executive mom.
From the emotional weight of saying "no" to the science behind multitasking myths, we’ll explore how redefining care for yourself can protect your energy, your family, and your future. You'll also learn what “extinction bursts” are and how they show up in everyday resistance from those we love—and how to stick with your boundaries anyway.
If you're tired of being the default everything in your household and career, this episode will give you the permission—and the tools—to reclaim your time, energy, and joy.
🔹 Learn why guilt is not your moral compass
🔹 Understand the glass vs. rubber ball metaphor
🔹 Get real-life strategies for reclaiming your power
🔹 And finally, breathe… because help is here.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores how to hack your happiness hormones for lasting joy. Learn simple, science-backed strategies to boost dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Hear inspiring stories of how colleagues use these hacks to stay positive and resilient, no matter what life throws their way.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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You’re smart. You’re successful. You’ve made it through med school, residency, and maybe even built a practice or earned that executive title. But despite all that... why does it still feel like you’re stuck in survival mode?
You wake up already behind. You answer emails at red lights. You pour everything into your patients, your family, your team—but when was the last time someone poured back into you?
In today’s episode, we’re diving into five surprisingly common but often overlooked stress triggers that are quietly sabotaging even the most accomplished mom physicians and executives. More importantly, we’ll talk about how to recognize them, stop them in their tracks, and finally take back control—on your terms.
Because burnout isn't your destiny. It’s your wake-up call.
Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores why forgiveness is essential for happiness—but forgetting isn’t. Learn how happy people let go of grudges while setting boundaries to protect their peace. Hear inspiring stories of resilience and discover practical tips to forgive without becoming an emotional doormat.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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Creating Sukha in the Chaos with Steven Puri
What happens when a successful Hollywood exec walks away from the glamor to pursue something deeper—something that actually helps people find joy and clarity in the middle of chaos?
Meet Steven Puri, co-founder of Sukha, a neuroscience-based productivity and mindfulness app designed for people with too much on their plates and not enough quiet in their lives—sound familiar?
In Sanskrit, Sukha means “ease,” “happiness,” or “genuine contentment.” For those of us, especially mom physicians, who are used to juggling call schedules, parenting, patient care, and paperwork, “ease” might sound like a fantasy. But this conversation is a powerful reminder that a shift in how we approach our time can change everything.
Steven’s journey—from the red carpets of Hollywood to the cutting edge of wellness tech—includes some hard-earned wisdom that speaks directly to those of us navigating burnout, overwhelm, and the persistent feeling that we’re always behind. We explore how the Sukha app was designed with real-world chaos in mind (yes, even yours), and why it might be just what you need to get your charts done faster, reclaim focus, and rediscover joy.
I tried Sukha myself—starting with their free trial (no credit card required)—and while it doesn’t help when you're fielding back-to-back pages from the ER, it does shine when you have focused time. If you've ever looked up and realized you’re still charting hours after your shift ended, this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen in to hear:
How Steven defines true “deep work” (and how to find it in a chaotic day)
What makes Sukha different from other productivity apps
The surprising ways this tool helps real physicians reclaim their time
🔗 Try Sukha now:
https://www.thesukha.co/
And, as promised, here's Steven's email - available until he gets too busy and tells me to take it down:
steven@thesukha.co
Meanwhile, you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to do on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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What if your greatest chapter isn’t behind you—but just beginning? In this episode of the Single Mom MD podcast, Dr. Gail Clifford shares why a growth mindset isn’t just for students or retirees—it’s for us, the women balancing medicine, motherhood, and ambition. Drawing inspiration from Mark Jaeger’s reflections and her own personal stories, Dr. Gail offers practical ways to cultivate resilience, stay curious, and find fulfillment at any age or stage. Whether you're fresh out of training or recalibrating after a major life transition, this episode is your reminder: you're not too late, too tired, or too stuck. You're just getting started.
How about some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this powerful episode, Dr. Gail Clifford shares deeply personal stories and six grounded strategies to help physician and executive moms stop spinning their wheels in worry. Learn how to reset your mindset, reclaim your energy, and finally focus on what moves the needle—at work, at home, and within. From navigating unfair treatment at work to recovering from personal loss, this episode delivers real talk and real tools for women who do it all.
The waterproof headset that I've purchased to listen to audiobooks or music or anything else from my iPhone is Zygo
https://shopzygo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopVH8Tdp6VTCEbS6QE5J-tEbw1JzDpD4czG_0x5JCpBQG4epUlP
And you can get started on refilling your own emotional tank with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to do on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores the transformative power of compassion. Learn how practicing kindness toward yourself and others can boost happiness, improve relationships, and even enhance your professional success. Discover simple strategies for incorporating compassion into your daily life. Tune in and start your journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life today!
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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In this episode of Single Mom MD, Dr. Gail Clifford explores how happy people create long-term, ongoing happiness. From building joy-filled environments to balancing present and future goals, discover practical strategies and inspiring stories from colleagues to help you cultivate a life of lasting fulfillment.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
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