Solving For Joy

Solving For Joy

Download on the App Store

Solving For Joy episodes

  • A Doctor Rewired: Coaching, Acupuncture, and Dr. Paul Yutan’s Path to Integration

    If you’ve ever wondered how to sustain your energy and joy while caring for others, this episode is for you. 

    Dr. Paul Yutan—a physician, acupuncturist, and passionate advocate for holistic healing—knows firsthand what it’s like to feel burned out and disconnected from your purpose.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why finding your Ikigai can unlock greater satisfaction and purpose in your career
    • How acupuncture played a key role in Dr. Yutan’s journey from burnout to healing
    • Why blending Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine can transform patient care
    • About Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities such as Jing, NAET and stomach qi

    This conversation goes deep—burnout, the challenges of balancing modern medicine with holistic practices, and the journey of reconnecting with what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving more than you have—or that your work is missing its spark—hit play. This one’s for you.

    Think of this as your reset button.
    Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

    More from Paul Yutan:
    Westlake Integrative Medicine: https://www.westlakeintegrativemedicine.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulyutan/ 

    Stay connected with us:
    Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd
    Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions
    Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast
    Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 

    Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net 

    1 hr
  • Joy as a Value, Not a Mood: A Conversation with Dr. Kelly Holder

    If you’re craving a deeper sense of joy that lasts beyond the good days, this episode is for you.

    Dr. Kelly Holder—Chief Well-being Officer at Brown University, clinical psychologist, and passionate mental health advocate—shares what it means to hold space for others while learning to prioritize her own well-being.

    In this powerful conversation you’ll hear real talk about the personal growth that happens when we finally stop pouring from an empty cup—and start making decisions rooted in values like faith, community, and belonging.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why joy is more than a feel-good moment—it’s a value that shapes the way we live and lead
    • How building real community creates the foundation for true connection and well-being
    • How belonging fuels emotional health

    If you’re navigating burnout, struggling to care for yourself while leading others, or searching for a more sustainable version of well-being, this episode will remind you that joy isn’t out of reach—it’s within you.

    Think of this as your reset button.
    Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

    More from Kelly Holder:
    Website: https://kellydholder.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellydholderphd
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-d-holder-phd-78470639/

    Stay connected with us:
    Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd
    Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions
    Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast
    Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 

    Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

    47 min
  • Me Good: Cesar Cervantes on Laughter, Legacy, and Letting the Story Lead

    If you’ve ever silenced parts of yourself to fit in or be heard, don’t miss this conversation.

    In this heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation, Chrissie Ott sits down with speaker, coach, and performer Cesar Cervantes to explore the joy of showing up as your true self—on stage, and in life. From stand-up comedy to coaching world-class speakers, Cesar has learned that the most powerful stories come from a place of authenticity, not performance.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The #1 mistake most speakers make (and how to fix it fast)
    • What happens when you stop making yourself the hero and start celebrating others
    • How to stay present, not just polished, when it matters most
    • Why the way we speak is deeply connected to how we heal, grow, and connect
    • You’ll also hear about Cesar’s journey through big life changes—moving homes, launching a book, preparing for the Physician Coaching Summit—and the surprising ways joy shows up when you let go of control.

      Whether you're a speaker, coach, or someone who wants to connect more deeply with others, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged, energized, and reminded that your light is meant to be seen.

      Think of this as your reset button.
      Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

      More from Cesar Cervantes:
      Website: https://www.cesarcervantes.tv/ 
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrcesarcervantes 
      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcesarcervantes/ 
      Great Speech by Cesar Cervantes: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Speech-Blueprint-Crafting-Signature/dp/1636804187 

      Resources:
      The Creative Way: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

      Stay connected with us:
      Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd
      Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions
      Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast
      Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 

      Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net 

      52 min
    • Brave Enough to Be Ourselves: Dr. Sasha Shillcutt on Boundaries, Backlash, and Finding Your Own Way Back After Extreme Loss

      If you’ve ever been cracked open by grief and wondered how to keep going—this episode is for you.

      You’ll hear the powerful story of Dr. Sasha Shillcutt—a cardiac anesthesiologist, leader, and mother—who has walked through heartbreak, cyberbullying, and profound transformation, and come out the other side with a deeper understanding of joy, community, and courage.

      In this episode, you’ll learn:

      • How to transform adversity into unexpected gifts
      • The truth about online criticism—and how to keep showing up anyway
      • How grief and joy can coexist—and reshape your entire sense of identity
      • The hidden gift of rebuilding: more presence, more connection, less clutter
      • This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with wisdom about finding yourself again after loss, letting go of what no longer serves you, and creating space for the kind of life—and community—you truly want.

        If you’ve been feeling the pull to start over or speak your truth… this one’s for you.

        Think of this as your reset button.
        Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

        More from Sasha Shillcutt:
        Website: https://www.becomebraveenough.com/home
        Books: https://www.becomebraveenough.com/books
        Podcast: https://www.becomebraveenough.com/podcast 

        Stay connected with us:
        Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd 
        Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions 
        Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast 
        Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 
        The Physician Coaching Summit: https://thephysiciancoachingsummit.com/ 

        Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

        54 min
      • Held Together: Dr. Rebecca Thompson on Motherhood, Medicine, and Making Meaning

        What it means to be held together in the face of deep loss—and how sharing our stories helps us heal.

        In this episode, Chrissie Ott sits down with Dr. Rebecca Thompson, author of Held Together, for a moving, deeply human exploration of motherhood, grief, creativity, and connection. With raw honesty and quiet strength, Rebecca shares how loss shaped her—and how storytelling helped her heal.

        In this episode, you’ll learn:

        • Why grief and joy aren’t opposites—and how they often live side by side
        • How vulnerability creates space for healing, empathy, and deeper relationships
        • The power of creative expression and community in finding your voice again
        • This conversation is tender, reflective, and full of grace. If you’ve ever felt the tension between breaking down and holding on… or if you’re searching for beauty in the messy middle—press play. You’re not alone.

          Think of this as your reset button.
          Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

          More from Rebecca Thompson:
          Website: https://www.rebeccanthompson.com/
          Held Together Book order: https://www.rebeccanthompson.com/order 

          Stay connected with us:
          Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd
          Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions
          Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast
          Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 

          Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net 

          55 min
        • Amongst the Wildflowers: The Courage to Pause, Prune, and Grow in presence with Dr. Jessie Mahoney

          If you’ve been craving more peace, purpose, and presence in your life—you’re not alone. 

          This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering what’s next… and whether more is really the answer.

          Dr. Jessie Mahoney—a pediatrician, physician coach, wellness consultant, and founder of Pause and Presence Coaching—will share how she has cultivated spaces through retreats and coaching that help physicians reconnect with themselves and one another in ways that heal, restore, and inspire.

          In this episode, you’ll learn:  

          • The surprising power of pausing (even when it feels impossible)  
          • How pruning what no longer serves you can open space for what truly matters 
          • Why courage is essential for growth—and how to take your next brave step  
          • This episode is for anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering what’s next… and whether more is really the answer.

            If you’re navigating transition, longing for something more, or simply ready to breathe a little deeper… hit play. This conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

            Think of this as your reset button.
            Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

            More from Jessie Mahoney:
            Website: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/
            Podcast: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast 
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-mahoney-md/ 
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiemahoneymd/ 

            Resources:
            Rick Rubin's - The Creative Act: https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeact 

            Stay connected with us:
            Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd 
            Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions 
            Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast 
            Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 
            The Physician Coaching Summit: https://thephysiciancoachingsummit.com/ 

            Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

            56 min
          • Unfiltered, Unapologetic, Unstoppable: Sheletta Brundidge on Autism, Advocacy, and Owning Your Joy

            If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world and still showed up with a smile—this episode is for you.

            Dr. Chrissie Ott and Sheletta Brundidge go deep into the kind of joy that doesn’t come easy—but is all the more powerful because of it. From middle school friendship to the reality of raising black sons in America, this conversation is raw, real, and full of heart.

            You’ll hear how childhood lessons shape adult resilience, why giving each other grace matters more than ever, and what it means to take responsibility for your own happiness—even when the world feels heavy.

            In this episode, you’ll learn:  

            • The power of shared laughter—and how it helps rebuild after collective pain
            • Why helping others find joy is healing—and how it can transform your own journey
            • Joy is a moral obligation—and how can we access it even in hard times
            • This isn’t just a conversation about joy. It’s a reminder that joy and struggle can coexist—that strength isn’t about powering through, but showing up with honesty and heart.

              If you’re navigating life’s complexity and still choosing joy… this one’s for you.

              Think of this as your reset button. 
              Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

              More from Sheletta Brundidge:
              Website: https://www.shelettamakesmelaugh.com/
              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZnlJRVHbbDyOMNz9Toj9Qw/videos
              Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/laughing-with-letta/id1506050681 

              Resources:
              The Telepathy Tapes Podcast: https://thetelepathytapes.com/ 

              Stay connected with us:
              Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd 
              Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions 
              Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast 
              Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 
              The Physician Coaching Summit: https://thephysiciancoachingsummit.com/ 

              Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

              50 min
            • Joy at Work with Dr. Anni Shandera-Ochsner: A Neuropsychologist’s Take on Burnout

              If you’ve ever wondered how to add joy to your workday—this episode is for you.

              Dr. Anni Shandera-Ochsner is an assistant professor of psychology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the medical director of Joy at Mayo Clinic. In this conversation with Dr. Chrissie Ott, she opens up about what it really takes to build a culture of joy in some of the most high-pressure environments.

              You’ll hear what she's learned from listening sessions with healthcare staff at Mayo Clinic—and why moments of connection, meaning, and being seen matter more than we realize.

              In this episode, you’ll learn:

              • What joy stacking is—and how you can use it to find more joy in your workplace

              • The 3 core features of joy at work—and how to bring them into your day

              • Why leadership must model well-being (and how to start small)

                This conversation weaves together science, compassion, and real-life strategies you can use to bring more joy into your personal and professional life. It’s thoughtful. It’s hopeful. And it’s full of reminders that you don’t have to wait for a better time to feel better.

                If you’re ready to make room for joy—even in the hard stuff—hit play.

                Think of this as your reset button.
                Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

                More from Dr. Anni Shandera-Ochsner:
                LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anni-shandera-ochsner-ph-d-abpp-cn-8414b037/ 

                Resources:
                AMA STEPS Forward Podcast: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/podcast 
                Institute for Healthcare Improvement: https://www.ihi.org/ 
                Beautiful Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydqKEeqSN3_6LcA_7Q8htQ 
                Insight Timer Meditation App: https://insighttimer.com/ 

                Stay connected with us:
                Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd 
                Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions 
                Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast 
                Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 
                The Physician Coaching Summit: https://thephysiciancoachingsummit.com/ 

                Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net   

                47 min
              • Stand Up for Doctors: Kim Downey on Post-Traumatic Growth, LinkedIn Advocacy, and Reclaiming Joy in Medicine

                If you’re a healthcare professional who’s ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or unseen—this episode is for you.  

                Kim Downey, physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being, joins us to talk about what it really takes to thrive in medicine. As the founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors, an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, Kim is on a mission to change the conversation around burnout, support, and sustainable careers in healthcare.

                In this episode, you’ll learn:  

                • The unexpected way a single online connection can change your entire path
                • How post-traumatic growth isn’t just possible, it’s powerful
                • Why sharing your story isn’t just healing for you—it helps others feel less alone
                • The small but powerful ways physicians and patients can restore empathy in healthcare
                • This conversation dives into physician burnout, the power of raising your voice, the unseen struggles in healthcare, and the small acts of recognition that can make all the difference.

                  If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to love your career and have a life outside of it—hit play. You’re not alone.

                  Think of this as your reset button.
                  Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

                  More from Kim Downey:
                  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/
                  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StandupforDoctors
                  Substack: https://standupfordoctors.substack.com/ 

                  Support resources:
                  Better Physician Life - Dr. Michael Hersh: https://www.betterphysicianlife.com/
                  Kevin MD: https://kevinmd.com/
                  SoMeDocs founded by Dana Corielle: https://doctorsonsocialmedia.com/ 

                  Stay connected with us:
                  Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd 
                  Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions 
                  Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast 
                  Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com 

                  Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

                  44 min
                • Addicted to Perfect: Dr. Amna Shabbir on Burnout, Silence, and the Case for Joy

                  If perfectionism is stealing your joy, this episode is for you.

                  You’ll hear the honest, powerful story of Dr. Amna Shabbir—a master certified coach, internist, and mom—who knows exactly what it’s like to look successful on the outside… and feel completely depleted inside.

                  In this episode, you’ll learn:

                  • The 3 types of perfectionism—and how to recognize which one’s driving you

                  • How to tell the difference between healthy striving and toxic pressure

                  • What’s really happening when you crash after work—and how to reset

                  • Why joy isn’t something you earn by doing more. It’s something you receive by being enough

                    This conversation goes deep—burnout, postpartum depression, the myth of “having it all,” and the lies we tell ourselves to keep going when we actually need to pause.

                    If you’ve ever felt like no matter how much you achieve, it’s still not enough… hit play. This one’s for you.

                    Think of this as your reset button.
                    Subscribe now and get real talk, radical honesty, and the spark to reconnect with your joy—automatically in your feed every Tuesday.

                    —

                    More from Dr. Amna Shabbir:
                    Website: https://www.dramnashabbir.com
                    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
                    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
                    Podcast: Success Reimagined — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/success-reimagined-with-amna-shabbir-md-exploring/id1795078844

                    Support the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation: https://drlornabreen.org

                    —

                    Stay connected with us:
                    Dr. Chrissie Ott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissieottmd
                    Joy Point Solutions: https://www.instagram.com/joypointsolutions
                    Solving for Joy Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/solvingforjoypodcast
                    Full transcript and more: https://www.solvingforjoy.com

                    Music by Denys Kyshchuk (AudioCoffee): https://www.audiocoffee.net

                    54 min

                  About Solving For Joy

                  From the publisher's feed

                  Through in depth conversations with a wide range of guests, Solving for Joy explores the idea that we are always trying to solve life's equation for maximal joy. We'll discover what constants are…