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.

This episode was made possible by generous support from Ken Stevens.

We talked with:

• Julie Chavez is the author of the USA Today Bestselling memoir Everyone But Myself, and her writing has been featured in Real Simple Magazine and The New York Post. Julie is a former elementary school librarian living in Northern California with her husband and sons (when they don't have other plans). She organizes her books by color.
• Bisi Alli, DO, MS, dipABLM, FACP, FAMWA; LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt; Principal, WellNEST Medicine & Chief Wellness Officer, Seeds to Inspire Foundation: Dr. Bisi Alli is a dual board-certified physician in Internal and Lifestyle Medicine with over a decade of experience transforming patient care and healthcare systems. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and recognized leader in quality improvement, she serves as Quality Improvement Faculty and Coach for the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Alli holds faculty appointments at Creighton University School of Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Medicine and leads a nationally funded initiative to improve obesity care in Arizona through Food as Medicine, impacting communities statewide. She is the author of Tayo and the Super Produce Pals at the Grocery Store!, a Top 100 children’s book that uses stories, recipes, and fun weekly missions to inspire kids and adults to build healthier, plant-powered habits together. Tayo and the Super Produce Pals at the Grocery Store! is available where books are sold and through www.wellnestmedicine.com/books. Through her passion for clinical care, quality improvement, and community health, Dr. Alli is dedicated to making whole-person wellness practical, accessible, and empowering across communities.
   

Purchase “Everyone But Myself”

• From Barnes & Noble.
• From Bookshop.org.

As promised, a date and nut-butter recipe. 

Got feedback?

If you've got ideas or book suggestions, email us at [email protected]. 

Connect with others talking about the podcast in the Read. Talk. Grow. group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community moderated by Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Connect is free, trusted, moderated, welcoming, safe and easy-to-use.

The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not designed to replace the physician’s medical assessment and judgment. Information presented is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional medical assistance with specific questions pertaining to your own health if needed.