Docs Outside The Box

By Dr. Nii Darko

Docs Outside the Box is a fusion of money, medicine, and pop culture. After paying off $662,000 in student loan debt, quitting their jobs, and launching 3 businesses, husband and wife, Drs. Nii

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4.9

512512 ratings

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FAQs about Docs Outside The Box:

How many episodes does Docs Outside The Box have?

The podcast currently has 695 episodes available.

Docs Outside The Box episodes:

October 28, 2025REPLAY: What is a 1099? Non-traditional pre-med advice #357
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Drs. Nii and Renée do a semi-ok job at explaining the difference between 1099 independent contracting and W2 employment. Dr. Renée runs down the ways in which we give up control of our careers to others. Then the docs meet long-standing listener, Jamar Cromwell, to give him advice as a non-traditional pre-med.

Things you'll learn in this episode:
The difference between 1099 and W2
How to take control over your career so that you can control your life
How students and doctors can focus on medicine while still staying true to their identities

▶️ WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Join our community
Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860

Twitter: @drniidarko
Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]

Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com
Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
1h 1min
October 21, 2025REPLAY: Sharing finances as a physician couple #428 , pt2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
0:01 Should Married Couples Combine Finances?
8:50 Financial Planning in Relationships
16:32 Financial Transparency in Marriage
20:54 Financial Involvement in Relationships
28:29 The Benefits of Combining Finances
32:27 Navigating Financial Disparities in Marriage
https://www.doximity.com/articles/736a778f-eba2-41e8-a6e6-c6a3f082d19b

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
46min
September 23, 2025 Can Busy Moms Really Do Locum Work Without Having Mom Guilt? #471 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we answer a question from our listener who is considering a locums position but is having mom guilt and wants to know how other women do it. Dr. Renée opens up about her journey working exclusively as a locums doctor while still maximizing her presence at home. If you're struggling with parental guilt this conversation is for you.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Wanna listen instead?
Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lPD2QG...

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
22min
September 23, 2025 A Recap Of Our Wonderful Trip To Ghana. #471 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we share our experiences from our recent medical mission trip to Ghana. We also discussed a medical resident who was caught performing unauthorized genital ultrasounds in his apartment and concluded with giving career advice to residents who are transitioning to work as attending physicians.
If you're interested in volunteering with International Healthcare Volunteers, check out their information down below.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED
International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them outHERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
39min
September 19, 2025REPLAY: Money Trap #4 - Debt is not a substitute for cash! #303
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
In this episode, Renee & Nii discuss how the common forms of debt (student loans, consumer debt, mortgage) keep you stuck in the rat race and burnt out!

Things to expect in this episode:
Renee clarifies how much she really owed the IRS
The Top 10 Medical Schools that keep their students in the highest debts
Why you should consider refinancing your loans
Why the Darkos don’t co-sign loans for anyone

Resources listed:
Student Hero Medical School Repayment Guide
How long should a car loan be
10 Medical Schools where students leave with the most debt

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!! FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)

INCROWD
MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Join our community
Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860
Twitter: @drniidarko
Instagram: @drniidarko
Email: [email protected]
Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com
Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

Check out the jobs St John Associates have HERE

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
1h 1min
August 27, 2025 REPLAY: Starting a Locums Company, Navigating Insurance & Why Consider Locums. #432
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
What if you could reshape your career and lifestyle with the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed of? In this episode, we explore the exciting world of locum tenens work, sharing insights on how to start your own locums company, medical malpractice insurance and why every doctor should consider doing locums.
Timeline
0:00 Introduction
2:47 What y'all say Friday! Ask us anything y'all.
3:29 Working 24 hour shifts as a doctor.
7:44 Billing & Getting paid as a locums doctor
10:47 How to Start a Locums Agency.
14:08 Not working on important days of your life.
16:24 Medical malpractice for locums doctors
21:53 Rates vs travel expenses as locums doctors
28:12 Why consider doing locums?
35:44 Is there a Diddy in medicine y'all?

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED
App for sending out receipts - https://www.waveapps.com/
To learn Ins and Outs of locums - https://locumstory.com/

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860

Twitter: @drniidarko
Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at https://setforlifeinsurance.com/

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
42min
August 22, 2025 How to Pay for Med School After Loan Changes! #470
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox

Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860

In this episode, we discuss a question from a pre-med student from a lower income background who is worried about pursuing medicine with the new student loan caps. We also offer advice on how to navigate these new financial obstacles, and whether becoming a doctor is still a viable path. If you're facing similar challenges, remember you're not alone. Reach out to mentors and be creative with your educational path.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED
International Healthcare Volunteers (IHCV) - https://www.ihcv.org/

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! https://darkos.lpages.co/newsletter-signup/

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
50min
August 19, 2025REPLAY: From panic attacks to beautiful artwork. Medicine is artistry for this doc #285
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Dr. Lucie Mitchell is a long time listener of Docs Outside. She joins Dr. Nii today to share her story about how a major panic attack in the last 3 months of residency training led her to pay off $70,000 of student loan debt in less than a year and turn medicine into art.

Things to expect in this episode:
How a debt-induced panic attack and a phone call with Dr. Renée resulted in an aggressive loan repayment plan
How Dr. Lucie turned her back pain into art for herself and others
How she roped the dean of her medical school into babysitting her daughter
How one of Dr. Nii's mindset episodes helped Dr. Lucie stop stalling and take action
Check out Dr. Lucie's artistry at www.phoenixnoirdesigns.com

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR ON FUTURE EPISODES!!!!
FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)

INCROWD
MAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWD

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/drniidarko

Join our community
Text word PODCAST to 833-230-2860

Twitter: @drniidarko
Instagram: @drniidarko
Email: [email protected]

Podcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.com
Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by

Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Provider Solutions & Development. Experts in holistic career coaching – check them out HERE
Twitter: @PSDConnects
Facebook: @PSDConnects
LinkedIN: Provider Solutions & Development

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
48min
August 05, 2025 What Happens When Doctors Make MORE Money on TikTok Than in Hospitals. #469 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox
Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860

The medical profession is facing a significant shift as doctors are increasingly finding more lucrative opportunities on social media than in clinical practice. While some doctors manage to balance both worlds, the trend points toward a future where medical knowledge is increasingly monetized online rather than applied in hospitals and clinics.

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
17min
August 05, 2025 Student Loan Forgiveness Is PAUSED! What Happens Now? #469 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!
Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidethebox
Have a question for the podcast?
Text us at 833-230-2860
When the "big beautiful bill" passed, all student loan forgiveness programs were paused. In this segment we went deep into the ripple effects these changes will create across healthcare. Whether you're a healthcare professional feeling betrayed by broken government promises or a taxpayer relieved about potential savings, share your perspective with us! Are you team "responsibility" or team "broken promises"? Which side are you on?

REE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED
npr article on what borrowers should know about student loan changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill - https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5477646/student-loan-repayment-forgiveness-trump
CBS NEWS on student loan forgiveness - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/student-loan-forgiveness-ibr-debt-payments-education-department-cbs-news-explains/

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

Instagram: @docsoutsidethebox
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @drniidarko

Merch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.com

This episode is sponsored by
Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!

Locumstory. Learn how locum tenens helps doctors make more and have the lifestyle they deserve!. Check them out HERE!
...more
29min

FAQs about Docs Outside The Box:

How many episodes does Docs Outside The Box have?

The podcast currently has 695 episodes available.

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