Student Doctor Luke Nelson joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode I to open the final season with a grounding conversation on Consistency—what it truly means to live in harmony with your values, goals, and daily practices. In this season opener, we explore the deeper layers of consistency beyond repetition. We discuss how alignment between identity and action creates long-term sustainability, how to recognize when you're out of sync with yourself, and how small habits can reflect big truths.

Timestamps: 

0:00 Achieving Goals Through Consistency and Purpose

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear – insights on habit formation, identity-based change, and sustainable growth

Book: All About Love by bell hooks – an exploration of love as a transformative force rooted in care, respect, and spiritual practice

Article: "8 Beautiful French Words That Don’t Exist in English" – a reflection on how the French language captures emotion and nuance often lost in English

Student Doctor Abena Green joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode VII to close out our Growth Harvest season with a heartfelt conversation on Hope—a force that anchors us through life’s darkest moments. In this season finale, we reflect on how hope sustains us through adversity, the practical ways we rediscover it when it feels lost, and how we can plant seeds of hope in our lives and communities—even in times of despair.

Timestamps:

0:00 Embracing Growth and Overcoming Challenges

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Tatiana Balabanis joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode VI to explore the concept of Resilience—a crucial element of the Growth Harvest series. Resilience is more than just surviving adversity; it’s about transformation and finding meaning in the struggle. How do we rise after falling? How do we adapt when life doesn’t go as planned? And how can we see our challenges as part of our journey rather than just obstacles to overcome?

In this episode, we reflect on how resilience shapes our identity and how embracing our scars makes us stronger. From philosophical insights to personal stories, this conversation uncovers the essence of bouncing back with purpose and strength.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and Life's Challenges

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Brittany Grossi joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode V to explore the concept of Purpose—the guiding force that fuels our actions, aligns us with our values, and keeps us moving forward even in uncertainty. Purpose isn’t just about what we do, but why we do it.

In this episode, we reflect on what it means to live with intention, make purposeful choices, and stay aligned with a greater vision for life and medicine.

Timestamps:

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Yemi Iyebote returns for his fifth appearance on Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode IV to explore the profound nature of Seeds—symbols of potential, transformation, and the unseen work of growth.

A seed holds the blueprint for life, but it requires the right conditions—environment, patience, and care—to reach its full potential. In this episode, we reflect on how small, intentional actions can lead to lasting impact, both in medicine and in life.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and Foundations

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Alexus Jackson joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode III to explore the concept of Developing—a process that is always unfolding in real time. Growth isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about recognizing the seasons of preparation, navigating stagnation, and learning how to restart when the process feels stalled. In this episode, we reflect on the active work of shaping ourselves, the role of self-awareness, and the importance of adaptability in personal and professional development.

Timestamps:

0:00 Personal and Professional Growth

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Aiyana Batton joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode II to explore the meaning of Harvest—the culmination of effort, patience, and resilience. Harvest is more than just reaping rewards; it’s about recognizing the seasons of preparation, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of trusting the timing of life’s unfolding journey.

Timestamps:

3:01 Exploring Presence and Mindfulness

9:05 Coping and Self-Reflection

15:39 Lessons on Resilience and Growth

29:32 Intentional Living and Self-Care

37:23 Reflecting on Life Choices and Happiness

References:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under the following: CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Caitlin Battle joins Stranger Fruit Vol V, Episode I to discuss the transformative power of growth. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to grow, both personally and professionally, and how self-awareness, resilience, and community support shape our evolution.

When do we recognize growth in our lives? How do we push past challenges when progress feels slow? And what does it mean to cultivate an environment that allows us to thrive?

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and Season 5 Overview

References: 

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden – by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under the following: CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Cesar Corona-Gutierrez joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 7 to explore the concept of "sprouting"—not just as a metaphor for personal growth, but as a communal force for nourishment and transformation.

In this episode, we reflect on the lessons of a simple bean sprout: small, fragile, yet filled with potential. Growth begins in vulnerability, but with the right environment and care, it flourishes into something far greater. How do we ensure that as we grow, we also provide sustenance and support for others?

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

1:53 Growth and Overcoming Challenges

13:19 Family and Cultural Impact

21:36 Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

27:35 Emotional Resilience and Community Support

Reference:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden - by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under the following: CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

Student Doctor Oyinemi “Yemi” Iyebote joins Stranger Fruit Vol VI, Episode 6 to delve into the complexities of pride and ego. In this episode, we explore how pride can be both a source of strength and a potential downfall—much like the pride of lions that thrives on community yet faces challenges when arrogance creeps in. Ego, too, can be a powerful motivator or a silent saboteur. Where does it come from, and how do we keep it in check?

Timestamps:

0:00 Understanding and Balancing Pride and Ego

3:49 Overcoming Ego in Relationships and Leadership

22:47 Personal Growth and Emotional Challenges

28:59 Exploring Ego, Insecurity, and Faith

37:48 Reflections on Pride, Ego, and Personal Memories

Reference:

Intro Music: Bosch’s Garden - by Kjartan Abel. This work is licensed under the following: CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International.