We're baaaaaack for another season! Thanks to all our listeners for rocking with us for another round of stories and sisterhood. This week, Ashley shares a recent experience where she found that sometimes the best plans are the ones we never made and never anticipated. Let us know what you think!

On the final episode of this season, Kimberly shares a powerful reflection on how a singular experience can have an unforeseen impact even decades later. Thanks again to everyone who's been listening and following us along this journey. We'll be back after a summer recharge.

Huge shout out to the Society of General Internal Medicine for inviting us to record live from the 2025 annual conference! "From Ideas to Action" - Ashley and Kimberly share a little about the evolution of The Human Doctor podcast and each tell a story highlighting what it means to be a human doctor in times such as these.

In this episode, Ashley reflects on an experience where she found the courage to speak up and gained an important lesson in dealing with disagreements.

Kimberly is back on the mic this week to reflect on a brief moment in the past that could have changed her life in a major way.

Lessons come to us in all sorts of ways, especially in the places we least expect. Today, Ashley shares a story about being open to new things, especially when we think we have nothing to learn. 

Change is inevitable. It can be hard at times, but change can also be an opportunity embrace a new way of being and seeing ourselves in the world. This episode, Kimberly shares a story about a significant change she went through in the past and what she learned from that experience.

Have you ever had an instance where you made up your mind to do something, but your body said "no"? This episode, Ashley shares an experience that highlights how our bodies sometimes alert us to deeper truths that we'd rather avoid thinking about. 

While reflecting on two pivotal experiences as a mom and as an educator, Kimberly gives a masterclass in the value of pausing to ask questions before assuming the worst. 

When things feel uncertain and you have no idea what to do, every once in a while, the answer you need is right there in front of you. This week, Ashley reflects on a beautiful connection that was made during a time of doubt. 

When we find ourselves in certain situations that seem like way more than we bargained for, sometimes we do have to ask the question, "if not me, then who?" Recently, Kimberly was thrust into one of these circumstances and in this episode, she shares her experience of how things unfolded. 

Often, it's only through proximity to different lived experiences and that issues become personal enough for us to change our thoughts and behaviors. This week, Ashley reflects on some key moments that opened her awareness to issues she hadn't previously contended with. 

The stories we often tell ourselves, about ourselves, later become self-fulfilling prophesies that can either help us reach our potential or keep us constricted. Sometimes we need to pump the breaks long enough to ask, what story am I telling and is it true? Sometimes we need others to help us do it. This week Kimberly shares a pivotal moment that invited her to reshape her narrative and learn to aim higher. 

How you treat people always matters; and in places or spaces where there are differences in power, it's even more important to recognize the type of impact we can have on others. Here, Ashley shares a story from training and lessons she learned from a negative interaction. 

At a time when concepts like diversity and inclusivity may seem dilute or even controversial in some cases, it's worth revisiting the WHY behind DEI. This episode, Kimberly highlights how proximity to a very different lived experience set her up to become a better doctor and better human.

The HD Pod is back! This week Ashley shares some important updates from our time away and a story that highlights the importance of taking the occasional leap of faith, especially in times that feel difficult or uncertain. 

In many situations, the line between right and wrong can be blurred or confusing, but sometimes it is very clear. On this final episode of the season, Kimberly gives a powerful reflection on accountability and owning what is right vs. what is wrong when it comes to certain behaviors. 

Everyone expresses grief or sorrow in different ways, and in an ideal world, we would all feel safe enough to do so however we choose. This week, Ashley shares stories on what this has looked like in her life. 

When is the last time you paused to really take in a meaningful moment - big or small? This week, Kimberly shares a reflection on this practice along with an invitation for us all to make time to appreciate the moments we may look back on one day and long for.  Topics Discussed: Nexus Summit 2024 Conference  The Message - by Ta-Nehisi Coates Marcus Bookstore - Oakland, CA Playground - by Richard Powers "Cherish the Day" - by Sade Make a plan to vote!

Today, Ashley reflects on the most important gift she received in her medical training - it's one that continues to give, even to this day.  Topics Discussed: Make a plan to vote!