The first 100 feet of your patient’s journey can determine whether they feel safe enough to heal or guarded enough to hold back.   In this episode, I’m wrapping up my four-part miniseries on how to create a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive onboarding experience. I’ve learned that the way we welcome patients says as much about our care as the medicine we practice. Every detail - the tone of our emails, the questions we ask, the space we create - either builds trust or adds stress. What if every first interaction helped someone exhale and feel seen? What would change in your work if your process reflected safety, autonomy, and genuine connection? I’ll share insights from my Catalyst Studio community and ways to make those first 100 feet of your patient’s journey feel like the start of true healing.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 True Healing Begins When Patients Say Yes 04:25 Why Trauma and Neurodivergence Matter in Onboarding 07:10 Building Trust in the First 100 Feet of the Patient Journey 09:12 Creating a Trauma-Informed Intake and Welcome Experience 16:13 Using Personal Connection to Ease Anxiety and Build Safety 23:23 Giving Patients Choice and Control in Their Care 28:15 How to Prevent Ghosting and Maintain Long-Term Engagement   Links Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship   PODCAST coupon code for a free Brainstorming session   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What happens right after someone says “yes” to working with me? That moment always feels small, but it’s where trust starts to deepen and patients begin to understand what it means to be cared for in my practice.   In this episode, I’m talking about the post-discovery-call window - the time after that initial “yes” when alignment, clarity, and values really matter. I’ve learned that how we follow up says as much about our care as the medicine we deliver. So I want you to ask yourself: How do you show patients what it feels like to be part of your world? What does your tone, timing, and communication say about who you are as a clinician?   I’ll share how a few intentional touches - like a short video message, a useful resource, or a thoughtfully written email - can transform the onboarding experience. I’ll also talk about how gathering feedback, even anonymously, helps refine your process and keep it true to your values.   To me, onboarding isn’t a transaction. It’s a continuation of care - a chance to connect, reassure, and show up fully as the kind of practitioner you want to be.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Turning “Yes” Into Connection 03:33 Drive-Thru Analogy: What Your Follow-Up Says About You 05:08 Why the Post-Call Window Matters 06:22 Behavioral Science and Commitment Bias 07:05 Reflecting Your Practice Values 12:22 Creating Ethical Urgency 14:54 Automate or Personalize? Finding the Right Balance 18:20 The Power of Feedback 25:49 Catalyst Reflection Questions   Links Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship Book a Brainstorm Session Take the Micropractice Assessment   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discovery calls don’t have to feel awkward or forced. They can actually be some of the most energizing conversations you have in your practice. In this second part of my Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series, I share my five-step framework for turning those calls into genuine moments of connection and clarity. I call it connect, clarify, align, invite, and detach - a simple flow that helps you stay grounded while confidently guiding patients toward the next step that feels right for them.   If you’ve ever found yourself overexplaining when it’s time to talk about pricing or hesitating to extend an invitation to work together, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know how uncomfortable it can feel. I’ll walk you through ways to bring more ease and authenticity into these calls so they reflect your values instead of feeling scripted.   I also share why I’ve abandoned high-pressure sales tactics in favor of what I call a “slow cook medicine approach” - a model that builds trust, respects boundaries, and supports patient readiness. By the end of this episode, you’ll see discovery calls as conversations that deepen relationships and remind you why this work still lights you up.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Art of Authentic Discovery Calls 02:52 Why Practitioners Overexplain and How to Stop 04:49 The Five-Step Discovery Call Framework 05:32 Step 1: How to Build Safety and Trust 07:08 Step 2: Clarify the Patient’s Story 10:20 Step 3: Align Your Services with Their Needs 13:30 Step 4: Invite Without Feeling “Salesy” 17:49 Step 5: Detach with Confidence 20:19 What to Avoid in Discovery Calls 23:31 Why Pressure Kills Trust 24:45 Recap: The Flow of a Confident Discovery Call 25:49 Catalyst Question: Strengthening Your Boundaries   Links Book a Brainstorm Session Shop at Dr. Lara’s Website   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discovery calls can feel uncomfortable, like you’re supposed to sell yourself or convince someone you’re worth the investment. I used to dread them too. Over time, I realized they’re not about persuasion at all. They’re about alignment. These first conversations give both of us a chance to decide if working together feels right.   This is Part 1 of my four-part series on Transformational Onboarding, where I’ll walk you through the red, yellow, and green flags I use when screening new patients. Green flags tell me someone is open, hopeful, and ready to do the work. Red flags show up as rigid expectations, resistance to change, or energy that feels misaligned. Yellow flags live in the middle—hesitancy or nervousness that might clear with more clarity.   I’ll share how I set the stage long before the call with application forms that help patients reflect on their readiness. Often, that simple step sparks their transformation before we’ve even spoken.   My hope is that you walk away seeing onboarding not as something to endure, but as the first step toward building a practice that sustains you and serves the right patients, without guilt.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Transformational Onboarding Series Introduction 03:03 Why Discovery Calls Feel Uncomfortable 08:01 Prescreening Patients with Application Forms 12:22 Green Flags: Signs of an Ideal Patient 18:28 Red Flags: Signs of Misalignment 36:14 Yellow Flags: When to Pause and Reflect 39:38 Catalyst Question and Next Steps   Links Shop Free gifts for listeners Brainstorming Session   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook LinkedIn YouTube TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most clinicians update their medical knowledge regularly, but when was the last time you updated the way you introduce yourself to the world?    We often think of self-introductions as something we did once - on a website, a business card, or at the start of our practice - and then moved on. But what happens when your services shift, your voice matures, or your life evolves, and the story you’re telling no longer fits?   In this episode, I share why reintroducing yourself is less about ego and more about alignment. I’ll talk about the subtle ways outdated messaging holds you back, how to approach your public presence with curiosity instead of perfectionism, and a simple 90-second Mad Libs bio that makes the process feel approachable. The real question to keep asking: if someone met you online today, would they meet the version of you that actually exists right now?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Reintroducing Yourself Matters 02:12 A Personal Story of Change and Growth 07:18 Signs It’s Time to Reintroduce Yourself 08:44 Simple Steps to Refresh Your Online Presence 11:56 Key Website Updates Every Clinician Needs 17:17 How Collective Energy Strengthens Masterminds 18:09 When to Reintroduce Yourself to Your Audience 22:03 How to Craft a 90-Second Bio 24:10 Does Your Online Presence Reflect Who You Are Today?   Links Catalyst Studio Brainstorming Session Streamlining your social media (purchase the resources mentioned in this article)   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

So many of us assume we can’t focus because we don’t have enough discipline, but I’ve found that the real issue is often depleted capacity. Discipline works like a muscle we can strengthen, but capacity depends on the deeper reserves of our nervous system - things like sleep, nutrition, emotions, and recovery. I like to ask myself: which one am I low on right now? And what happens if I try to push through without the fuel to back it up?   In this episode, I share how flow neuroscience and my own journey through burnout have shaped the way I think about discipline and capacity. I’ll walk you through simple strategies for both - steps that build momentum and restorative practices that bring your energy back - so you can pause and ask the right question before you push: is this a discipline problem, or a capacity problem?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Focus Feels Harder Than Ever 02:19 Discipline vs. Capacity Explained   03:55 Burnout as a Capacity Problem   06:22 What Capacity Really Means   07:25 Flow Cycle and Recovery   07:58 How to Balance Discipline and Capacity   10:07 Practical Strategies to Improve Discipline   15:52 Practical Strategies to Improve Capacity   24:43 The Balance That Prevents Burnout   Links Shop More about Dr. Raquel Martin, PhD Purchase the infographic mentioned in this episode Brainstorming Session   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Burnout can sneak into every corner of life - your work, your relationships, even the way you show up as a parent! I call it “grief in the brain,” because it quietly drains energy and joy while convincing you that you’re not doing enough. The real shift comes when you stop chasing discipline and start building a framework that helps you feel steady and whole again.   In this episode, I share the idea of a flow menu, a tool I use with my mentees and in my own life. It’s a way to organize activities that restore balance into categories like movement, nourishment, play, thought, and peace. Having those choices ready gives you a lifeline when your mind feels cluttered or your body feels tense.   I’ll show you how to create your own flow menu and why it works as both a preventative and healing practice. My hope is that you walk away with a clear reminder that flourishing happens when you honor your energy and make small, intentional choices that support the life you want to live.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Human Nature 02:40 Understanding Burnout 05:52 Signs You Need a Flow Menu 08:53 What Is a Flow Menu 10:18 Flow Menu Categories 22:43 Importance of Self-Regulation 24:25 Questioning Urgency 25:01 Catalyst Question   Links My insight timer profile Catalyst Studio   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

I’ve come to believe that play and creativity can completely change the way we move through our days. For me, it started when I decided to bring Halloween back into my life and create a whimsical “crow lady” character, and that one spark of joy gave me more energy, focus, and flow than I’d felt in years.    In this episode, I share how that experience opened my eyes to the bigger question of why joy matters so much in medicine and in life, and why so many of us, especially women in medicine and working moms, tend to abandon it. What would happen if you treated joy as a vital sign, right alongside sleep or nutrition? How might your days look if your calendar held space for wonder and curiosity, not just obligations? I’ll walk you through simple flow enhancers like gratitude, novelty, and embodiment, as well as the disruptors that scatter our attention. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to see play as a prescription for resilience and growth, and maybe even helps you reclaim your own sparks of joy.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Halloween Confession 03:34 Becoming the Crow Lady and Finding Flow 05:09 Glee and Creativity Boost Productivity 07:42 Self-Abandonment and the Need for Play 10:37 Play and Creativity as the Sixth Vital Sign 13:08 Flow Enhancers vs. Flow Disruptors 16:40 Practical Tools to Protect Your Flow 18:05 Catalyst Question on Gamifying Your Day   Links Catalyst Archetype Catalyst Advantage   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Burnout began to lose its hold on me when I realized my practice should support my life instead of forcing my life to fit around my practice.   In this episode, I share a personal moment when the signs of burnout resurfaced as I was driving to care for my parents. That experience pushed me to look at how I had been structuring my days and reminded me that clear boundaries and intentional choices bring ease and clarity. You’ll also hear from my Catalyst community, clinicians who are designing careers that give them freedom, like taking summers off, choosing the patients they want to serve, and being present for family milestones. We also explore the doubts that so many of us face. Will others judge me for working less? Will my patients stay with me if I change how I practice? How do I know when I’ve done enough?   As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own answers. If your schedule reflected your values, what would look different? And what possibilities might open once you decide what “enough” means for you?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Redefining Medical Careers 02:33 Experiencing Burnout Again 05:28 Catalyst Success Stories 06:10 Benefits of the Membership Model 07:36 Epiphany on I-95 09:33 Common Barriers in Medical Practice 10:48 Redefining “Enough” 12:53 Protecting Your Yes 14:18 Catalyst Question: Designing Your Ideal Practice 15:52 The Real Reason We Are Here   Links Midnight Library by Matt Haig Catalyst Advantage Sessions Archetype Quiz   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

AI is showing up everywhere in medicine, from symptom checkers to lab summaries, and I often hear clinicians wonder where that leaves us.    In this episode, I share how I see technology as a helpful partner while holding firm to the truth that no algorithm can replace the trust, empathy, and presence our patients deserve. My own journey from burnout to building a practice rooted in connection has shown me that we carry a kind of medicine AI will never touch. Can a computer sit with someone in grief? Can it notice the subtle shift in tone or energy that tells you more than lab results ever could? I want you to think about how you bring your humanity into care, how you amplify the qualities that make your practice unique, and how AI might support rather than overshadow your role as a healer and entrepreneur.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 AI in Healthcare and Human Connection   05:01 How Clinicians Use AI in Practice   07:06 The Limitations of AI in Medicine   09:30 Unique Human Abilities in Patient Care   13:02 Translating Science Into Soul-Aligned Action   16:14 Building a Human-Centered Practice   20:31 Celebrating Patient Wins and Progress   26:06 Catalyst Question: What AI Can’t Do in Medicine     Links The Catalyst Studio   Episodes about AI: Episode 57: ChatGPT For Health and Wellness Content Marketing Episode 58: Providers Regaining Their Time and Sanity With the Help of Virtual Scribes and Virtual Assistants Episode 106: The Future of Charting With AI – Dr. Lara Salyer   Episodes about creating a welcoming atmosphere: Episode 46: Front Office Makeover With the Aha! Method Episode 104: Making Your Practice a Holistic Office   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Friction in a practice can feel uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that those moments often point to where the real growth is waiting to happen.   In this episode, I share how resistance can strengthen Membership models and create deeper healing in integrative medicine. As a physician turned entrepreneur and mentor, I’ve faced the same challenges many of you have – explaining the value of membership to patients, setting boundaries around pricing and re-enrollment, and sitting with the hard truths that surface when people start making real changes in their lives. I often ask myself: am I letting discomfort guide me toward clarity, or am I avoiding the lessons that could make my practice stronger?   I also talk about the invisible side of integrative medicine, the kind of healing that happens when we listen fully, when we hold space, when we help patients reshape the stories they carry about their health. How often do we dismiss that work simply because it doesn’t come with lab results or a protocol? Through stories from my Catalyst Studio masterminds, I’ll show you how leaning into friction can help you grow as an entrepreneur while giving your patients the support they need to truly transform.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Membership Models 01:39 Friction as Fuel for Growth 05:50 Overcoming Initial Friction in Membership Models 08:01 The Value of Membership in Integrative Medicine 08:44 Sacred Moments with Patients 11:26 Financial Friction and Charging for Services 16:03 Setting Boundaries Around Re-enrollment 18:50 Using a Gratitude Folder for Difficult Days 20:57 Internal Friction and the Feeling of Coasting 24:00 Embracing Friction for Growth   Links Brainstorm Session Archetype Quiz Shop   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way YouTube Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The simplest act of self-care? Saying no. It protects your time, preserves your energy, and keeps your productivity focused on what matters most.   In this episode, I’m talking about the “nope list,” a simple but powerful way to guard your time, energy, and attention. I’ll share why women in medicine are especially prone to overcommitting, how chronic yeses chip away at intuition, and why naming your no’s can be as game-changing as chasing your yeses. You’ll hear stories from my own life (including why a hot air balloon ride will never make my bucket list) and real examples from women in my Catalyst Studio who’ve traded guilt for boundaries, whether it’s declining misaligned patients, skipping unnecessary speaking gigs, or refusing to double-book their schedules.   If you’ve been stretching yourself thin in the name of getting it all done, this episode will show you how a simple shift can free up your time, boost your productivity, and give your self-care the priority it deserves.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Fantasy of Saying No 00:33 Creating Your Nope List 02:30 Recognizing Your Inner Nope 02:52 Burnout in Women Physicians 05:24 Why a Nope List Protects Your Energy 07:13 Neuroscience of Intuition and Boundaries 09:20 Real-Life Examples of Saying No 12:09 Avoiding Schedule Overload 14:04 Aligning Your Life with the Nope List 16:04 Catalyst Question and Takeaway   Links Choose Your Gift Catalyst Studio™ Mentorship   Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn YouTube TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Have you ever stood at the edge of a big decision and wondered if what you’re feeling is fear holding you back or excitement nudging you forward? I’ve been there more times than I can count. What I’ve learned is that the difference between dread and a breakthrough isn’t always in the situation. It’s in how we choose to frame it.   I’m sharing how I navigate those pivotal moments by listening to my body and reframing fear into curiosity and creativity. I’ll tell you the story of Vinny, my colorful mannequin who has been my silent coworker through every twist in my practice, and how he became a symbol for embracing play, even when things felt uncertain. I’ll also walk you through the three-step ritual I use to turn fear into fuel so you can approach transitions with clarity, energy, and a little bit of fun. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in hesitation, this episode will give you a new way to understand what your body is telling you and how to move forward with confidence.   Episode Breakdown: 00:32 Navigating Big Decisions and Transitions 01:06 The Story of Vinny and Embracing Change 02:34 Fear or Excitement? The Neuroscience of Norepinephrine 06:24 Harvard Study: How Saying “I’m Excited” Boosts Performance 08:32 The Three-Step Ritual to Reframe Fear 12:16 Choosing Play Over Panic in Business 14:52 A Catalyst Question for Your Next Transition   Links Archetype Quiz Right Brain Rescue Book Brainstorm Session Catalyst Advantage Session    Connect with Lara:  Website The Catalyst Way Instagram  Facebook LinkedIn YouTube TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Triggers can feel inconvenient, even overwhelming, but I’ve come to see them as powerful clues pointing toward something deeper we need to notice.   In this episode, I’m sharing how emotional triggers can actually help us grow, especially as women in medicine try to find more grounding, clarity, and sustainable productivity. I’ll walk you through what’s happening in the brain during those reactive moments and offer some ways to pause, get curious, and shift the pattern.   Have you ever found yourself overcommitting or people-pleasing just to feel seen? Are there situations that reliably throw you off your game? I’ll introduce you to the Catalyst Archetypes, which are tools I use with my clients to better understand their nervous system responses and where their biggest growth edges are.   Self-care isn’t always pretty or convenient. Sometimes it’s the quiet work of paying attention to what’s underneath our habits. What might change if you gave yourself a little more space to feel before reacting? What could productivity look like if it came from a place of alignment rather than pressure?   Let’s explore that together!   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How Everyday Triggers Reveal Deeper Patterns 01:29 Using Food Cravings to Understand Emotional Reactivity 03:39 What the Limbic System Can Teach Us About Self-Regulation 05:03 The Power of Sitting with Discomfort 11:05 How to Pause Before Reacting and Rewire Your Response 14:30 Catalyst Archetypes: Recognizing Your Default Patterns 15:01 Fervent Flame, Wise Wind, Reflective River, and Resolute Rock Explained 19:58 Turning Triggers into Tools for Grounded Self-Care 21:11 Your Catalyst Question: What Are You Avoiding?   Links Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery  Catalyst Studio™ Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Your productivity isn’t powered by hustle but by the deeply personal tools you carry in your inner medicine bag.   What helps you feel grounded when everything feels chaotic? What small rituals or comforts help you reset and keep showing up? In this episode, I’m sharing the idea of the inner medicine bag, a collection of items, habits, and practices that support your well-being in ways no planner or productivity hack ever could. I’ll walk you through how mine has changed over the years, from med school to motherhood to where I am now, and how those shifts reflect the different seasons of life.   I’ll also introduce you to the four Catalyst Archetypes (Reflective River, Fervent Flame, Wise Wind, and Resolute Rock) and offer insights into the unique tools each one can lean on to stay grounded, clear, and connected to what really matters. Whether your version includes a playlist, a sticky note, a favorite tea, or something beautifully unexpected, my hope is that this episode gets you thinking about what truly helps you thrive and why giving yourself permission to honor those things matters more than checking another box on your to-do list.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Is an Inner Medicine Bag and Why It Matters 03:01 How Your Inner Medicine Bag Evolves Through Life Stages 08:44 Introduction to the Four Catalyst Archetypes 09:04 Reflective River: Tools for Emotional Grounding 11:23 Fervent Flame: Rituals for Energy and Focus 14:14 Wise Wind: Grounding Practices for Visionaries 17:16 Resolute Rock: Finding Lightness and Joy in Structure 20:30 Reframing Self-Care and Creativity as Essential, Not Optional 21:15 Catalyst Question: What Do You Truly Need to Thrive?   Links Catalyst Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype  Catalyst Advantage: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#Advantage  "What Kind of Healer Are You"? https://drlarasalyer.com/2024/11/01/episode-136-what-kind-of-healer-are-you-how-to-evolve-your-unique-self-expression/   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Resentment gets a bad rap, but what if it’s actually a guidepost?   This episode is a look inside one of my recent Catalyst Studio mentoring sessions, where a brilliant practitioner found herself loving the work… and hating how it made her feel. Sound familiar? She wasn’t burned out, yet, but the resentment was building. And it wasn’t loud. It was quiet, chronic, and easy to ignore. Until it wasn’t.   We talked through where that resentment was coming from, how it tied to people-pleasing, guilt around pricing, and the belief that overdelivering somehow proves your worth. We named it. We mapped it. And then we got to work.   Inside this episode, I share the tools and scripts I gave her to start protecting her energy and time, without shrinking or apologizing. We talk about boundaries (internal and external), membership models, and why policies aren’t just for your practice… they’re for your passion.   If you’ve been carrying silent resentment, feeling overextended, or struggling to hold your own boundaries, this one’s for you.   Let’s talk about what needs to shift, before burnout makes the decision for you.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Resentment as a Burnout Warning Sign 05:00 The Pressure to Be Liked and Its Hidden Costs 08:13 Scripts for Saying No 10:12 Public vs. Private Boundaries 15:05 Self-Abandonment and Internal Boundaries 16:10 Practicing Discomfort 18:00 How to Spot Quiet Resentment 20:14 Building Structure for Sustainable Care 22:04 Final Reflections and the Catalyst Quiz   Links https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype  https://drlarasalyer.com/shop  https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/membership-magic-design-your-3-tier-functional-medicine-membership-to-grow-and-scale https://drlarasalyer.com/2025/07/11/episode-154-the-big-comeback-ten-rules-that-changed-my-practice-and-life/    Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

I’m back with a new season of The Catalyst Way, and I’m not picking up where I left off. I’m starting from a very different place, one shaped by change, growth, and a reminder that joy has to lead the way.   In this episode, I’m sharing why I paused the podcast and what brought me back. A lot has shifted, personally and professionally, and I want to be honest about what that looked like. I’ve been through some big transitions lately, and like many of you, I’ve had to untangle parts of my life that felt stuck so I could reconnect with a sense of creativity and authenticity that feels true to who I am now.   This season, I’m bringing that energy to the podcast. I’m sharing the ten Catalyst Codes I live by, my personal ethos that’s helped me design a more aligned, sustainable way of practicing and mentoring. These aren’t tips or tricks. They’re values that came from lived experience: mistakes, grief, intuition, and a whole lot of unlearning.   What you’ll get is the real me, talking from my home office, maybe with a barking dog in the background, maybe in the same outfit as last week. I’ll be sharing stories from my own life and from the incredible women in my Catalyst Studio, with takeaways that actually make a difference in how you move through your day.   If you’ve been carrying a calendar that doesn’t feel like yours… if you’re craving a new way to work, live, and lead… I hope this season gives you the space to breathe, reflect, and start imagining something better. Let’s get into it!   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to a New Season of The Catalyst Way 01:50 What Is Time Alchemy 05:02 From Burnout to Creative Mentorship 08:05 What to Expect This Season 12:41 The 10 Catalyst Codes 16:49 Flow Over Hustle 23:32 Catalyst Question: What Stopped Being Fun 24:12 Navigating Personal Transitions   Links https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#Advantage https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

I used to dread discovery calls. Before switching to a membership model, I felt like I was constantly chasing patients, trying to get them to use their remaining visits, and repeating myself over and over again. But once I transitioned to a membership model, everything changed. I started attracting patients who were just as enthusiastic as I was about finding the root causes of their health concerns. Instead of feeling like a salesperson, I became a true partner in their healing journey.   Membership works because it’s clear, structured, and provides the ongoing support that functional medicine truly requires. Packages might seem like a simple solution, but they don’t set you—or your patients—up for long-term success. Functional and integrative medicine is complex, and true progress happens with consistency, feedback, and real partnership. That’s why I developed a membership model that serves both me and my patients, and today, I’m sharing exactly how you can do the same.   The process is easier than you think. It starts with identifying how long your patients typically work with you, listing out all the services you provide, and organizing those into structured tiers. When done right, a membership-based practice invites your patients to become co-creators in their own health journey. If you’re tired of the unpredictability of packages and want to build a sustainable, rewarding practice, this episode is for you!   Quotes “When you are looking at ongoing medical support and you are unraveling complex processes, packages don't work.” (3:31-3:38 | Dr. Lara) “There are no two memberships alike, and you're allowed to take what you like, leave the rest and tweak it so that it reflects your own values and personality.” (7:45-7:53 | Dr. Lara)  “The thing about innovative healthcare is creating this ecosystem and environment for patients to thrive and lowering that barrier for them to experiment with some of these modalities is key.” (16:16-16:27 | Dr. Lara) “People underestimate the need for community.” (17:38-17:42 | Dr. Lara) “Really all a membership is, is the promise that you'll be there for a minimum amount of months and they have flexibility to continue after that.” (18:49-18:58 | Dr. Lara)   Links Schedule a 20-minute Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

A career in functional medicine should feel fulfilling, not exhausting. So how do you build a practice that supports both your patients and your well-being?   I sat down with Lisa McDonald, founder of Integrated Connections, to talk about what it takes to create a sustainable career in personalized medicine. Lisa’s own journey—from struggling patient to industry leader—shaped her passion for helping practitioners find roles that align with their values and prevent burnout. With over 15 years of experience in recruitment, she’s seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities in functional and integrative medicine.   Burnout is a real risk when you care deeply about your work. Lisa and I discuss why setting boundaries and building the right support system is essential, especially for those working with complex, chronically ill patients. We also explore how group visits and collaboration can create better outcomes for both patients and providers.   If you’re thinking about making the leap into functional medicine or looking for ways to protect your energy while doing meaningful work, this episode is for you!   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Transitioning from Conventional to Functional Medicine 02:06 Tips for Building Your Own Practice 03:20 Lisa McDonald’s Journey 07:06 The Impact of Practitioners on Patient Lives 09:02 Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care for Practitioners 11:23 Lisa’s Personal Compass for Well-being 14:41 Embracing Imperfection in Creativity 18:01 Differences Between Burned Out and Thriving Practitioners 23:08 Advice for Burned Out Practitioners 24:23 Tips for Starting Your Own Practice 29:06 The Reality of Starting a Functional Medicine Practice 32:09 Integrating Functional Medicine into Mainstream Healthcare 33:31 Innovative Ideas for Future Healthcare Practices 35:58 Designing Support Systems in Your Practice 38:04 Growth and Demand in Functional Medicine 40:01 The Backend Work of Integrated Connections 42:08 Connecting Childhood Activities to Adult Life   Links Connect with Lisa McDonald: Website: https://integratedconnects.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapmcdonald/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integratedconnections/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integratedconnections   Book a Brainstorm Session (Coupon code - PODCAST): https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Trusting your gut in business isn’t magic. It’s a skill you can develop, and once you do, decisions feel clearer, opportunities stand out, and success starts to flow.   I’ve learned firsthand how powerful intuition is for entrepreneurs. Have you ever felt pressured to chase an opportunity that looked great on paper but didn’t sit right with you? I’ve been there. When I was encouraged to start an agency, it seemed like a smart move. But something felt off. So instead of jumping in, I used my 48-hour snooze rule—a simple pause that helps me check in with my intuition. When I came back to the idea, I knew it wasn’t the right path.   Some opportunities may be lucrative, but are they truly aligned? I believe creativity and individuality matter more than rigid systems, and that applies to both medicine and business. Intuition isn’t just a hunch. It’s a skill you can strengthen, just like Oprah Winfrey did when she turned down a major role and built something even bigger.   I’ll share how you can train your intuition to work for you. I’ll walk you through simple practices like journaling and small intuitive risks that build confidence in your decision-making. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself or felt stuck between logic and instinct, this episode will help you trust yourself more fully and build a business that truly fits you.   Quotes “You can sign up with a business that will promise to deliver a website and funnels and all of these things, but if they’re not working with you to find your own hidden gems, your own hidden superpowers, the ways where your brain is more in flow or contradictory, the ways that you’re self-sabotaging yourself, you’re not going to get very far.” (06:43 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “The system is only as good as your creativity. And it’s only as good as if it fits your authenticity and your mission.” (07:15 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Only you know how you want your work-life masterpiece to feel. You know that feeling. And you can trust that when you start making decisions that are pulling you in the right direction, it gets easier to do that.” (11:13 | Dr. Lara Salyer) “Small intuitive risks. Not everybody’s going to see it. You’re going to learn that you can survive a momentarily embarrassed moment, or maybe the captions didn’t record, or you stumbled over a word or whatever.” (18:40 | Dr. Lara Salyer)   Links Book a Brainstorm Session (coupon code PODCAST): https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery Free Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi?typeform-source=drlarasalyer.com Upcoming Membership Magic workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dr-lara-salyer-do-ifmcp-14966663375   Connect with Lara:  Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm