What's it like to have families counting on you in their time of greatest need? How do you separate work life from home life when every workday is literally life and death? How can you bring more humanity into what it at its heart is totally scientific?

Meet Dr. Rachel Fleishman, a Neonatologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and Director of Narrative Medicine. 

Dr. Fleishman's shares what it's like to care  for sick and premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), explaining how the practice of narrative medicine – analyzing patients' stories – helps her empathize with families and see their babies as more than just diagnoses. She shares insights into making space for open communication, overcoming self-blame, and cherishing the roles every member of the professional and family team provides.

We also dive into  Dr. Fleishman's journey from studying literature to becoming a physician, how traumatic births have informed her care, and coping strategies for healthcare workers bearing witness to suffering. 

You'll learn:

• How to see people as multifaceted individuals with stories, not just diagnoses or problems. 
• Why you need to care for yourself when caring for others.
• How to move forward with hope and help instead of  blaming yourself for situations outside of your control. 
• How to leave work at work, even in the most intense work situations.
• And so much more...

Learn more about Dr. Rachel Fleishman:

Website
Instagram
X

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Megan Nolan is a rare dynamo, channeling her profound resilience and determination into advocacy that's creating real change. After her son's challenging medical journey to get a diagnosis, Megan sprang into action - launching a nonprofit to fund research in just 3 months. And if that wasn't enough, she also created an online magazine, rareparenting.com, to provide much-needed support and resources for the rare disease parenting community.

In this conversation, Megan shares her unwavering commitment to helping other families avoid the struggles she faced. We explore how she balances intensive caregiving with running two organizations, while also prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of hope. Megan offers guidance on how to be an supportive ally when your friend is parenting a child with complex medical needs. 

You'll learn:

• How to listen to your intuition and push for answers.
• Why believing you can make a difference is one of the most powerful motivators for taking action.
• How to use  your unique skills and experience to make an impact, like Megan did in the rare disease community.
• Why delegating can be the key to getting it done, whatever your "it" is.
• What kind of help to offer when you want to help a friend in need. 

Learn more about Megan:

Rareparenting.com
Children's Rare Disorder Fund
Megan's Instagram
RareParenting Instagram

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Have you heard these myths about writing your book? 

Myth #1: You have to be a perfect writer to start. Myth #2: You need a big block of time to make progress. Myth #3: You have to have a groundbreaking idea. #4: You need an external credential to call yourself a writer. Elizabeth Lyons joins us to bust these myths and so many others about what it takes to start...and finish your book.

Elizabeth is a seasoned writer and book editor with six published books under her belt. Through her popular online courses and the "Write the Damn Book Already" podcast, Elizabeth shares invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of writing, publishing, and launching a book. Her relatable and humorous approach resonates with aspiring writers, encouraging them to break free from self-doubt and embark on their writing journey with confidence. 

Elizabeth highlights how writing can serve as a form of therapy, allowing us to process personal experiences, find humor in challenging situations, and facilitate growth. Regardless of whether your work will be published or remain personal, diving into the healing power of writing can provide huge benefits. Using writing as a tool for self-expression transforms it into a journey of personal exploration, revelation, and ultimately, healing.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why so many of us have imposter syndrome when it comes to creative endeavors
• The myth that any of us knows what we're doing
• How to give ourselves grace and compassion with our creative projects
• At what point in the process we need to trust ourselves most
• How to get started without getting out of your pajamas
• And so much more...

Learn more about Elizabeth:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Latest Book

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything behind and setting off to travel the world?  When Dr. Marcy Cole's partner suggested they do just that, Marcy didn't hesitate. She packed up her Los Angeles home where she'd lived for nearly 20 years, and together they set off on a nomadic adventure.

What Marcy learned on the road was more than how delicious the pastries in France are. She had five main takeaways, each of which is a valuable lesson that can be applied back at home. Marcy also rediscovered a core piece of her identity during her journey. You don't need to travel the world to be inspired by Marcy's takeaways.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why leaving your bubble can teach you so much about yourself
• What happens when we go public with our dreams
• Why we need to stay in the ring
• How what happens can work for you not to you
• What to do when we set the intention for grace and ease and things take a different turn
• And so much more...

Dr. Marcy Cole is a holistic psychotherapist, life coach, and wellness educator She founded First Tuesday Global in 2000, with the aim of fostering a sense of community through social connectivity, personal and professional development, and social service.

Learn more about Marcy:

Marcy's Website
Facebook
First Tuesday Global

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Here we are in mid-January when our new year resolutions are beginning to be put to the test. For some of us that means we're drinking more water or going on long walks or trying to meditate daily. But there's another category of resolutions that we're going to explore over the next few weeks.

The first seems simple on the surface: "I want to have more fun." If only it were as easy as it sounds.

Today's guest, Dr. Mike Rucker is the author of The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life, which has been featured in  publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Forbes. 

A joy-seeking psychologist, Dr. Rucker challenges us to break free from the happiness trap, reclaim lost hours, and embrace the pursuit of joy and wonder in everyday life.

You'll learn:

• Why we get stuck in the happiness trap
• How to use the time audit and Play Model to figure out where we can add more joy and fulfillment
• How to incorporate fun into work
• Why anticipation is more than half the fun
• Why fun is important physically
• The difference between fun, joy, and whimsy
• How we can fit fun in even when our lives are immensely complicated
• And so much more...

Learn more about Dr. Mike Rucker:

Website
X
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
The Fun Habit book

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Host Jessica Fein turns the tables for episode 50. The ineffable Effie Parks of the award-winning "Once Upon a Gene" podcast returns to the show to interview Jessica about how she does it. 

They talk about:

• The rewards of openly sharing personal experiences for growth and survival
• Integrating joy and grief 
• The value in naming ambiguous grief
• How a long shot is still a shot and the worst thing that can happen when you take it
• What to do when there's no light at the end of the tunnel
• The power of podcasting

Join Jessica's launch team for Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Dreams. DM here at https://www.instagram.com/feinjessica/

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Have you ever felt something so strongly in your bones and yet everyone you turn to dismisses your concerns? Maybe they tell you you're over-reacting. Maybe they even tell you there's something wrong with you for not letting go of your instincts. What if your child's life were at stake?

Navigating misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting, Karen DeBonis discusses the arduous journey she embarked on to ascertain her son's actual medical condition. 

Karen began to question herself and doubted her fortitude for motherhood, ultimately needing to overcome her instinct for people pleasing and unleash her inner "she bear" to make the medical community and even her own family take her seriously. Finally, desperation broke through her fear of conflict, and she demanded answers, only to be horrified by the truth. 

Brain surgery and a promise of complete recovery for her son convinced Karen her battle was over. But she was wrong. The ensuing years launched her on a journey of perseverance and personal growth she never imagined, teaching Karen just how weak she is, and then exactly how strong.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How to learn to trust your own instincts despite persistent resistance
• Why the weak can be stronger than the strong
• What post-traumatic growth can look like
• And so much more...

Karen's debut memoir "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," was released by Apprentice House Press in May 2023. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, HuffPost, Newsweek.com, Today.com, and numerous literary journals.

Learn more about Karen:
Website
Facebook
X
Instagram

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

There's growing up in bubble, as so many of us do, and then there's growing up in a truly insular world. 

If you're feeling trapped by the expectations of your community and unable to express your true self, you're not alone.  Maybe you've been trying to fit into the mold of your community, but deep down you know it's not where you belong, and the struggle is taking a toll on your emotional well-being.

That's what happened, in a huge way, to Beatrice Weber.

Beatrice is a former member of a Hasidic Jewish community, who found her voice and broke free from restrictive religious and cultural norms. After navigating the challenges of an arranged marriage at a young age, having 10 children, and facing the pressure of societal expectations, Beatrice embarked on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately choosing to leave her marriage and relocate with her young children. 

Today, Beatrice is a published author, TEDx speaker, interfaith minister, and executive director of Yaffed, a nonprofit organization. Her story of resilience and empowerment serves as an inspiration to those seeking fulfillment and independence outside of traditional constraints.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The questions to ask as you listen to your inner voice
• How to take the first step toward fearless fulfillment
• How spirituality isn't just one thing, it's many things
• And much more...

Learn more about Beatrice:
Instagram
Linkedin
Website

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Since October 7, many of us have been glued to our screens, scouring every bit of news out of Israel. Today's guest, Trauma Therapist Lisa Fliegel, knew that if she stayed home in Boston, she'd be filled with anxiety. Instead, three hours after news of the Hamas massacre reached her, she booked a plane ticket to Israel.

Lisa spent a full month with the survivors of the October 7 attack who have relocated to a hotel in Eilat. There, Lisa spent time with children and adult survivors, counseled other therapists, and created a therapeutic milieu out of the hotel lobby.

Lisa  is a trauma specialist with extensive experience in providing support to individuals coping with significant psychological trauma. With dual citizenship and having served in the Israel Defense Forces, Lisa's connection to Israel runs deep. She lived on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava desert for 20 years and has a strong commitment to social justice and social change. Lisa is a special clinical consultant to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute a grassroots non-profit that serves survivors of victims of homicide. She is an author and journalist. Her book-in-progress "Bulletproof Therapist: My clinical adventures in Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, and Inner-City Boston is waiting to hatch amid various missile attacks, gunfire and social upheaval. 

In this episode, you'll:

• Find out why you don't need to be the best therapist (or the best mother, or the best anything else)
• Discover how to be a student when people teach us what they need
• Learn what to do when there's nothing to be done
• Understand why we need to recognize when other people make a meaningful impact
• Uncover the profound effects of shame on trauma survivors and learn what the difference is between tragedy and trauma
• Learn how being fully present can profoundly impact trauma support and activism efforts.

Learn more about Lisa:
Facebook
Bulletproof Therapist
Lisa's Blog
LinkedIn  

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Have you heard these myths about films that break barriers and challenge perceptions? Myth #1: Only controversial films can challenge societal norms. Myth #2: Mainstream audiences are not interested in watching films that challenge the status quo. Myth #3: Creating diverse films is just a trend and not a lasting movement. 

In this episode, our guest Allison Norlian will debunk these myths and reveal the truth behind creating impactful and diverse films that challenge mainstream narratives.

Allison Norlian is an experienced journalist, writer, and filmmaker. She's a three-time Emmy nominee and the co-founder of Birdmine, a production company that focuses on amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. 

Inspired by her older sister and with a passion for challenging mainstream narratives, Allison utilizes her filmmaking skills to create impactful documentaries and narrative films. Currently, she's in post-production for her documentary titled "Meandering Scars," which took her on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and is also finishing up a short film called "13." 

Allison has received a Catalyst for Change award from the ARC of Virginia and an Emmy nomination for an investigation that exposed neglect and abuse at an assisted living facility. Through her films, Allison strives to change the world one story at a time, advocating for inclusivity and challenging the way society views disability. 

In this episode you'll:

• Discover the power of inclusive storytelling in independent films and unlock new perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives
• Hear how one mother's commitment to her family changed the perceptions of an entire community
• Find out what it's like to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in filmmaking, creating impactful content that reflects the world we live in
• Learn why diversity in the stories we share is more important now than every before
• And so much more...

Learn more:
Allison on Instagram
Allison on Facebook
Thirteen
Birdmine on Instagram
Birdmine Website

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells