Ever felt awkward in a meeting or anxious at a party? You're not alone. Host Dr. Denise Millstine is joined by author Natalie Sue and psychologist Dr. Craig Sawchuk to discuss Natalie’s book HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL, which features a protagonist with social anxiety. The conversation delves into how anxiety manifests in everyday interactions, explains coping mechanisms like avoidance and alcohol use, and emphasizes that social anxiety is common, treatable — and often misunderstood.

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, listen to one of our favorite episodes! A rom-com that thoughtfully addresses death, grief and breast cancer risk? We’re in! Alison, the protagonist in the romance novel “Four Weekends and a Funeral,” is pretending that she was still dating her ex-boyfriend at the time of his death. (It’s complicated.) On top of that, she’s recently undergone a double mastectomy after finding out she a gene variant that puts her at high risk for breast cancer. Author Ellie Palmer, who has the same variant, and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Jessica Fraker join us to talk about navigating breast cancer risk and life post-mastectomy.

Romance and bathroom habits may not seem like they go together, but somehow bestselling author Susan Mallery managed it in her novel ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. We talk to Susan and Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Tisha Lunsford to explore irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the accompanying physical, logistical and emotional challenges of managing a chronic gastrointestinal condition. Susan shares her personal connection to her character’s symptoms, while Dr. Lunsford provides clinical insights into IBS diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of patient-centered care.

What if the person a child should trust the most is the one causing them harm? In this episode, host Dr. Denise Millstine speaks with author Andrea Dunlop and pediatrician Dr. Katie Johnson about The Mother Next Door, Andreas’ book on real cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy — also known as medical child abuse. We explore how caregivers, often mothers, manipulate the medical system to fabricate or induce illness in children. The conversation sheds light on the emotional, legal, and medical complexities of this abuse, while offering hope through advocacy, education, and the courage of professionals who speak up to protect vulnerable children.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, listen to one of our favorite episodes! In her memoir, "The Sober Diaries," Clare Pooley details the first year of her life after deciding to stop her heavy drinking. In that same year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like many people, she had no idea about the connection between the two. In this episode, Clare talks about the many, many benefits of sobriety that she's discovered — even beyond a lower breast cancer risk — and Dr. Karen Anderson provides her oncology expertise.

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything for everyone — but losing yourself in the process? Author Julie Chavez joins us to discuss her memoir Everyone But Myself, a candid exploration of anxiety, burnout, and the emotional toll of spreading yourself thin. Along with Dr. Bisi Alli, we unpack the realities many women face when constantly caring for others, the importance of seeking help, and how therapy, medication and self-compassion can lead to healing. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

A breast cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down, and yet, the rest of your life doesn’t stop. How do you manage diagnosis and treatment in the midst of caring for kids — or in the case of this episode’s novel, after your husband tells you he’s cheated on you? We’re joined by Katie Yee, author of “Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar,” and Mayo Clinic breast cancer expert Dr. Lida Mina, to explore how Katie’s book illuminates the emotional and medical realities of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Today's conversation explores the emotional and medical complexities of motherhood, particularly for professional women. Dr. Denise Millstine hosts Dr. Rebecca Thompson, author of Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love, and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Molly Kraus. We discuss the diversity of paths to motherhood — including adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy and fertility challenges. Dr. Kraus reflects on her own experiences and advocacy for reproductive planning among women physicians. Together, they emphasize the importance of storytelling, listening and community in navigating grief, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of family-building.

When someone dies by suicide, their loved ones are often left asking questions like “How could this have happened?” The protagonist in Onyi Nwabineli’s debut novel “Someday, Maybe,” wrestles with these questions after the untimely death of husband. Onyi and Mayo Clinic psychologist Dr. Craig Sawchuk discuss processing grief, loss and guilt – and the importance of showing up and supporting those who are grieving.

In this episode, Dr. Denise Millstine is joined by bestselling author Jonathan Evison and radiation oncologist Dr. Samir Patel to explore the emotional and medical journey of oral cancer through Evison’s novel The Heart of Winter. Inspired by his mother’s diagnosis and his own caregiving experience, Evison crafts a poignant love story between Ruth and Abe Winter, a couple navigating the unexpected upheaval of oral cancer in their later years. The conversation delves into the realities of diagnosis, treatment and recovery from head and neck cancer with clinical insights from Dr. Patel, and highlights the often-overlooked role of caregivers.

We’re exploring the intersection of elite athletics and women's health with author and former professional soccer player Georgia Cloepfil and Mayo Clinic women's health expert Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt. Using Georgia’s book The Striker and the Clock: On Being in the Game as our lens, we delve into the emotional and physical toll of high-level sports, particularly the underrecognized condition of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), a type of absence of menstruation. We discuss the cultural silence around menstruation in sports, the physiological consequences of FHA, and the need for more research, awareness and support for women navigating intense physical demands in both sports and professional life.

Dr. Denise Millstine is joined by author Allison Ashley and hematologist Dr. Jeanne Palmer to explore the emotional and medical journey of leukemia treatment and stem cell transplantation through the lens of Allison’s romance novel IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES The conversation touches on the steps of bone marrow and stem cell blood donation, the anxiety and worry following transplant, and the power of human connection.

Dr. Denise Millstine hosts author Julia Phillips and pulmonologist Dr. Ana Zamora explores the emotional and clinical realities of interstitial lung disease through the lens of Phillips’ novel BEAR. As we discuss the story of two sisters caring for their ailing mother, listeners can gain insight into the complexities of chronic illness, caregiving and the socioeconomic pressures that shape health outcomes.

Contraception is commonplace in many countries — but that wasn’t always the case. In today’s episode, author Laura Anthony and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Paru David join us to explore Laura’s gripping historical novel The Women on Platform Two. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Ireland, the book explores the barriers women faced in accessing contraception and asserting bodily autonomy. We talk about the evolution of contraceptive access and the deeply personal and political dimensions of women’s health. It’s a tribute to the resilience of women past and present and a call to continue the conversation.

Acclaimed journalist Sebastian Junger and interventional radiologist Dr. Indravadan Patel join us to explore Junger’s harrowing brush with death, chronicled in his memoir In My Time of Dying. What begins as a mysterious abdominal pain spirals into a life-threatening medical emergency, revealing the miraculous precision of interventional radiology and the fragile line between life and death. We delve into the mysteries of consciousness, the power of modern medicine, and the profound questions that arise when one stares into the abyss.

Bestselling author Lisa Genova and Mayo Clinic neurologist Dr. John Caviness join us to explore the emotional and medical complexities of Huntington’s disease through Genova’s novel Inside the O’Briens. The conversation delves into the science behind the disease, the complicated question of genetic testing, and the profound psychological toll on families. With powerful insights into caregiving, resilience, and the healing potential of storytelling, this episode is both a heartfelt tribute to those affected by Huntington’s and a compelling call to action for awareness and empathy.

What makes you happy? Many people would answer with the basics: family, friends, good food, and (of course!) a good book. But what brings deep joy and purpose to your life? What little habits and practices could make a big difference in your mood and outlook? In this episode, author Courtney Walsh, author of “The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley,” and Mayo Clinic Medical Director of Joy and neuropsychologist Anni Shandera-Ochsner, Ph.D., L.P., encourage us to think deeper about what makes us feel alive and gives us meaning.

This episode explores the rich tapestry of traditional healing and integrative medicine through Linda Cohen Loigman’s novel “The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern.” Joined by Linda and integrative medicine expert Dr. Jodi Patel, the conversation delves into herbal remedies, generational wisdom, the healing power of listening and the enduring magic of chicken soup.

Bestselling author Laurie Frankel and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Robert Horsley join us to explore Laurie’s deeply moving novel “This Is How It Always Is.” Through the lens of Frankel’s story about a young transgender girl and her loving family, the conversation delves into gender identity, the nuances of gender expression, and the real-world challenges faced by transgender individuals and their loved ones. It’s a thoughtful discussion that underscores how fiction can illuminate the most pressing health and social issues.

In this powerful episode of Read. Talk. Grow., host Dr. Denise Milstine is joined by author and anesthesiologist Dr. Maggie North and fellow author and psychiatrist Dr. Jesse Gold to explore the emotional and systemic roots of physician burnout through the lens of North’s romance novel “The Ripple Effect.” The conversation dives into the hidden grief of leaving medicine, the gendered realities of burnout, and the importance of reclaiming humanity in healthcare — and offers a deeply resonant look at what it means to care for others while learning to care for yourself.