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This episode features Tenay Benes, speaker, author, intelligence officer, and healthcare innovator, who shares her lived experience navigating trauma, military service, psychiatric injury, chronic illness, and ultimately, systemic reform.

Together, we unpack:

• Why complex illness exposes the cracks in our healthcare system
• How information asymmetry disempowers patients
• Why physicians are experiencing moral injury at alarming rates
• The stigma surrounding behavioral health among clinicians and the military
• And how collaborative, coordinated care may be the path forward

Tenay's health collapse later forced her into a profound healing journey, one that required navigating a fragmented system, challenging evidence gatekeeping, and ultimately integrating biological, psychological, and spiritual care. In this expansive and deeply honest conversation, we examine the structural strain points of modern healthcare and what it will take to build something better.

About Tenay Benes:

Tenay Benes is a Speaker, podcaster, blogger, and author who helps people and organizations win the war on complex illness. Along with her husband, Brett Benes, she is building a movement to transform the health, wellness, and human services space by applying the lessons she learned in her own complex illness healing journey, in her career as an intelligence officer, and in her experience as an impactpreneur. She has a bachelors in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, a masters of business administration in entrepreneurship and consulting from the College of William & Mary, and an in progress masters in information science at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Tenay can be found at tenaybenes.com.
Discover her book “Heal or Die: A True Story of Trauma, Complex Illness, and Unexpected Help” at ihearthevoice.com.
Join the war against complex illness at benescompanies.com.

The article Tenay referenced during the conversation: 

“Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial”

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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In this episode of I AM Well MD, we explore relational health across the full lifespan with Psychiatrist, Dr. Debbie Raphael. From early childhood through adulthood and into aging, this conversation unpacks how attachment, autonomy, validation, and repair shape our most important relationships.

Dr. Raphael shares practical insights on parenting through developmental stages, navigating adolescent pushback, maintaining strong connections with adult children, and supporting aging parents through role transitions. This episode emphasizes that while relationships evolve, the foundational need for safety, understanding, and repair remains constant.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why allowing children appropriate control builds cooperation and trust
• Validation as a core parenting skill (especially during conflict)
• Navigating teenage “tantrums” without losing the parent role
• Secure attachment, autonomy, and being a “safe base”
• Reframing children’s closeness as a sign of healthy attachment
• Being okay with being “taken for granted” as children mature
• Maintaining connection with adult children without over-directing
• Repair, apology, and humility as relationship-strengthening tools
• Adult children and aging parents: role reversal, generativity, and care

Guest Bio:
Dr. Debbie Raphael is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist with extensive clinical experience working with children, parents, and families. Her work focuses on attachment, reflective functioning, emotional development, and relational health across the lifespan. She is active on LinkedIn and can also be reached through her website.

Where to Find Dr. Debbie Raphael:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

...

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In this episode of I AM Well MD, we explore relational health across the full lifespan with Psychiatrist, Dr. Debbie Raphael. From early childhood through adulthood and into aging, this conversation unpacks how attachment, autonomy, validation, and repair shape our most important relationships.

Dr. Raphael shares practical insights on parenting through developmental stages, navigating adolescent pushback, maintaining strong connections with adult children, and supporting aging parents through role transitions. This episode emphasizes that while relationships evolve, the foundational need for safety, understanding, and repair remains constant.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why allowing children appropriate control builds cooperation and trust
• Validation as a core parenting skill (especially during conflict)
• Navigating teenage “tantrums” without losing the parent role
• Secure attachment, autonomy, and being a “safe base”
• Reframing children’s closeness as a sign of healthy attachment
• Being okay with being “taken for granted” as children mature
• Maintaining connection with adult children without over-directing
• Repair, apology, and humility as relationship-strengthening tools
• Adult children and aging parents: role reversal, generativity, and care

Guest Bio:
Dr. Debbie Raphael is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist with extensive clinical experience working with children, parents, and families. Her work focuses on attachment, reflective functioning, emotional development, and relational health across the lifespan. She is active on LinkedIn and can also be reached through her website.

Where to Find Dr. Debbie Raphael:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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We’re joined by Dr. Aly Cohen, a nationally recognized expert in environmental health and integrative rheumatology. Dr. Cohen helps us unpack what “toxins” actually are, how everyday chemical exposures affect the immune and endocrine systems, and why vulnerable stages like pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence matter so much.

Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cohen explains how regulatory gaps in the U.S. allow harmful chemicals into our homes, food, water, and personal care products, and most importantly, what we can realistically do to protect ourselves and our families.

This conversation moves beyond fear and into practical, science-based prevention.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• What toxic chemicals are and why they matter for human health
• Why pregnancy and early development are critical windows of vulnerability
• Why most chemicals in the U.S. are not adequately tested for safety
• How household and personal care products can disrupt hormones and immunity
• The 4 A’s of Environmental Health Management
• How to choose safer baby products, skin care products, cosmetics, and household items

About Dr. Aly Cohen:

Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with national recognition for her work in environmental health, disease prevention, and medical education. She is the author of Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them and co-author of Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World.

Dr. Cohen is the founder of TheSmartHuman.com, lectures nationally, serves as a legal medical expert for toxic exposure cases, and has received numerous awards including Top Docs NJ (2016–2025) and the Burton L. Eichler Award for Humanitarianism.

Connect with Dr. Cohen:

• Website: TheSmartHuman.com
• Social Media: @TheSmartHuman

Additional resources:
Environmental Working Group

Clearya

Yuka

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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What does it really mean to be bold  not performatively, but existentially?

In this powerful episode of The I AM Well MD Podcast, Dr. Santi Tanikella sits down with Dr. Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School professor and author of How to Be Bold, to explore the inner work required to live and lead with courage in a world that often rewards safety, conformity, and silence.

Rather than framing boldness as risk-taking for its own sake, Ranjay invites us to see boldness as alignment, the willingness to act from purpose even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or costly.

Together, we explore:

• Why so many high-achievers feel successful yet internally constrained
• How boldness is built through self-trust, not bravado
• What it takes to step off autopilot and into intentional living
• How purpose becomes a stabilizing force during uncertainty and change

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt a nudge toward something more and hesitated.

About Dr. Ranjay Gulati:
Dr. Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the author of Deep Purpose and How to Be Bold. His work focuses on unlocking individual and organizational potential through courage, clarity, and purpose-driven leadership. You can find him at ranjaygulati.com and on LinkedIn.

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

...

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What if the calm you cultivate could ripple out to every person you encounter?

In this episode, Dr. Santi Tanikella MD sits down with Lisa Danahy, an educator, yoga therapist, and founder of Create Calm, whose work has transformed classrooms, communities, and families across America. Lisa talks about the “domino effect of co-regulation” -  the way one person’s regulated nervous system can influence the emotional balance of an entire group, and how this can be the key to collective healing.

Together, they explore:

• How a single act of grounded presence can shift chaotic environments into calm connection.
• The unseen impact educators and leaders have on emotional culture.
• Why self-regulation isn’t enough and how co-regulation teaches us to heal together.
• Practical steps to bring these lessons into classrooms, workplaces, and homes.

This conversation isn’t just about calm, it’s about reclaiming connection in a world that often forgets how much we need each other to feel safe.

Resources:

• Weaver LL, Darragh AR. Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions for Anxiety Reduction Among Children and Adolescents. Am J Occup Ther. 2015;69(6):6906180070p1-9.
• Sibinga EM, Webb L, Ghazarian SR, et al. School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT. Pediatrics. 2016;137(1):e20152532

Connect with Lisa Danahy:
 🌐 www.CreateCalm.org
📸 Instagram | LinkedIn
📘 Facebook

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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What happens when the stories you learned as a child about what it means to be “good,” “kind,” or “easy to love” become the very patterns that keep you stuck in one-sided relationships as an adult? 

In this deep resonating episode of The I AM Well MD Podcast, Dr. Santi Tanikella sits down with Jay Moon Fields, somatic coach, author, and creator of the “Hey, Wait!” framework to explore how childhood conditioning shapes our emotional landscape in adulthood.

Jay’s work has reached nearly a million learners through LinkedIn Learning, and her approach blends embodied intelligence with emotional honesty to help people step out of people pleasing, self-doubt, and overthinking.

Together, we discuss:

• How early conditioning teaches us to prioritize others’ comfort over our own truth
• Why many adults find themselves accepting unbalanced relationships as “normal”
• How to reclaim your worth and begin honoring your emotional experience in real time
• Practical ways you can develop healthy relationships with yourself and others

This episode is a gentle but powerful invitation to pause and say “Hey, wait” to make space for your own inner experience - because it matters.

Connect with Jay Moon Fields:
jaymoonfields.com
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

...

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In this insightful episode of The I AM Well, MD Podcast, Dr. Santi Tanikella sits down with Emily Morgan, Delegation & Productivity Expert, Founder & CEO of Delegate Solutions, and author of Let It Go!

Emily has built her career around helping entrepreneurs and leaders strategically clear their plates so they can focus on what truly matters. From her signature “Delegate Method” to the launch of her new efficiency diagnostic, Emily offers actionable tools and mindshifts to help you delegate effectively, lead with clarity, and amplify your impact.

We explore:

• Why letting go is essential to stepping into your most impactful contribution
• How to delegate tasks that you think only you can do. 
• Common bottleneck behaviors that hold leaders (and their teams) back
• Practical ways to strengthen your delegation muscle even if you think you're “not good at it.”

This conversation is for any leader who is tired of wearing all the hats and is ready to lead smarter, not harder.

 Connect with Emily Morgan:

• Delegate Solutions
• Verve
• LinkedIn

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

...

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What happens when success on paper comes at the cost of losing yourself?

In Episode 41 of the I AM Well MD Podcast, Dr. Santi Tanikella sits down with Dr. Jimmy Turner, anesthesiologist, author, podcaster, and coach to unpack what it truly means to reclaim identity, balance, and joy despite adversity.

Dr. Turner’s story is one many high-achievers will recognize: the struggle with burnout, the pressure to achieve, and the erosion of self in pursuit of accomplishment. In this vulnerable and empowering conversation, Jimmy shares what it looked like to rebuild his sense of identity.

We explore:

• Why accomplishments and identity aren’t the same
• The power of saying “no” without guilt
• A new way to think about balance in life and career
• How reframing our obstacles can transform our path forward

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, people-pleasing, or the feeling of losing yourself in the process of “succeeding,” this episode is for you.

Connect with Dr. Jimmy Turner:
Websites: moneymeetsmedicine.com and thephysicianphilosopher.com
Twitter/X: @TPP_MD
Books: Determined: How Burned-Out Doctors Can Thrive in a Broken Medical System and

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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In this inspiring episode, Jillian Johnsrud shares how the unconventional choice of taking “mini-retirements” has allowed her to design a life of freedom, adventure, and deep purpose. By 40, Jillian had taken over a dozen mini-retirements that gave her space to recover from loss, explore the world, adopt and raise children, and invest in her dreams.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• What a mini-retirement is and why it’s different from a traditional vacation
• The kinds of life experiences and healing that are possible when you step away from work
• Practical strategies for making mini-retirements financially and professionally realistic
• How time away can prevent burnout and create memories that last a lifetime

Work isn’t meant to consume our best years. Mini-retirements give us the chance to pause, reset, and live fully now, not decades from now. For professionals facing constant demands, Jillian’s story offers both hope and a roadmap.

About Our Guest:

Jillian Johnsrud never expected to retire early, so she chose to retire often. By 40, she had taken more than a dozen mini-retirements, traveling to 27 countries, living abroad, adopting four kids, investing in real estate, and touring the U.S. in a camper. She is the author of Retire Often and host of the Retire Often Podcast.

Website: jillianjohnsrud.com

Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram

Book: Retire Often

Support the show

Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings.

Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com.
Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact.

Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook


Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider.

The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

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