Strive: Exploring Mind, Medicine, and Motivation

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Ed Gaines, a nationally recognized expert in healthcare reimbursement, medical coding, and physician payment policy, to unpack the economic infrastructure that shapes modern medicine.

Together we discuss:
• Why reimbursement education is largely absent from medical training
• How documentation and coding directly influence physician payment
• The real implications of the No Surprises Act for patients and providers
• The growing burden of prior authorization and payer oversight
• Why independent practices may be regaining leverage against health plans
• What young physicians should know about contracts, negotiations, and advocacy

This conversation offers a rare inside look at the policy, incentives, and payment systems that quietly determine how care is delivered in the United States, and why physicians must understand them to protect the future of the profession.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Dr. Elad Levy, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Distinguished Professor, to explore how paradigm shifts in medicine are built. A pioneer of mechanical thrombectomy and U.S. Interventional Principal Investigator of the landmark SWIFT PRIME trial, Dr. Levy reflects on the transformation of stroke care before and after 2015 and breaks down how bold ideas evolve from promising cases to national guidelines. We discuss the systems-level constraints that still shape outcomes today, the creation of Atlas, the nation’s first ambulatory neurovascular surgery center, and the operational philosophy behind the Jacobs Institute as an engine for scalable innovation. From leading a rapidly growing academic department to advancing endovascular brain–computer interfaces, this conversation is a masterclass in building teams, redesigning care delivery, and sustaining innovation at the highest levels of medicine.

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University and a global leader in neurosurgery and physician-scientist training. Dr. Lonser reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to risk, responsibility, and innovation; discusses how simplicity drives scalable impact in surgery and research, and shares insights from his groundbreaking work in von Hippel–Lindau disease and neurological gene therapy. A candid conversation on leading at the intersection of clinical care, discovery, and ethics.

Join us on the Strive Podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Noah Kaufman, an emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and Bitcoin philosopher. Known as the Ninja Doc from NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Dr. Kaufman shares insights on how his experiences in medicine, finance, and physical performance intersect. Discover how Bitcoin connects to self-actualization and morality, and hear his inspiring message for future physicians.

Scott Becker shares insights on his dual career path, the evolution of Becker's Healthcare, and the mindset behind balancing law and media entrepreneurship. He discusses the legal mindset and entrepreneurial instincts, scalable and commercializable solutions, defining moments, and decision-making in business. Additionally, he provides valuable insights into the consolidation of healthcare systems and the impact of private equity and venture capital in the industry. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership and vision in health systems, the traits of great leaders across industries, and the trends and evolution of the healthcare industry. It emphasizes the need for scale, investment in technology, and the impact of leadership on the success of health systems.

Takeaways

• Dual career paths
• Building a practice
• Scaling a business Leadership and vision are crucial for the success of health systems.
• The need for scale and investment in technology to build greatness in healthcare.

• 00:00 Introduction to Scott Becker
• 06:32 Balancing Dual Careers
• 13:24 Scalable and Commercializable Solutions
• 22:52 Consolidation in Healthcare
• 29:02 Leadership and Vision in Health Systems
• 36:31 Healthcare Industry Trends and Evolution

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tina Chen, a dedicated psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Chen discusses her path to psychiatry, sharing her initial aspirations in the medical field and her eventual passion for mental health. The discussion navigates through various aspects of psychiatry, the cultural perspectives on mental illness, and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment. Dr. Chen provides valuable insights into the complexities of mental illness, the impact of social media on mental health, and the future of psychiatric care. This episode offers a deep dive into both the personal and professional experiences that shape a psychiatrist's approach to tackling some of the most pressing issues in mental health today.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Chen

00:17 Dr. Chen's Journey to Psychiatry

03:13 Discovering Psychiatry During Clerkship

06:38 Comparing Psychiatry and Surgery

12:37 Understanding Mental Illness

25:44 Understanding Psychiatric Markers

27:56 The Impact of Stigma on Mental Illness

29:09 Social Media and Mental Health

31:14 The Evolution of Psychiatry

37:23 The Reality of Psychosis

44:59 Future of Psychiatric Treatment

47:28 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Zachary Rosenthal, a psychiatry resident from the University of Pennsylvania. We delve into his journey in medicine and his focus on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Dr. Rosenthal discusses the latest advancements in ECT, its promising role in psychiatric treatment, and navigates the ethical and public misconceptions surrounding it. He also reflects on his medical journey from Haverford College to his current residency and offers insights into the relationship between mind, brain, and consciousness. This episode offers a deeper understanding of ECT, its mechanisms, and its potential future applications.

00:00 Welcome to the Strive Podcast: A Journey into Mind, Medicine, and Motivation

00:14 Introducing Dr. Zachary Rosenthal: A Deep Dive into Psychiatry and ECT

02:12 The Personal and Professional Journey of Dr. Rosenthal

07:06 Exploring the Mind-Brain Connection: Insights from Neuroscience

12:43 Demystifying Electroconvulsive Therapy: Mechanisms and Misconceptions

30:49 The Future of Psychiatry: Innovations and Ethical Considerations

40:52 Reflecting on the Human Aspect of Medicine and Psychiatry

48:25 Looking Forward: The Evolution of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Shae Keller, a professional who has navigated the journey from pharmacy to pharmacy informatics, and further into the realm of business with an Executive MBA. Shay shares insights into his unconventional career path, starting from his education in Indiana and South Carolina, through to his current role that integrates pharmacy, informatics, and business to innovate healthcare. The discussion covers the evolving role of technology in healthcare, the impact of pharmacy informatics on patient care, and the potential future advancements with AI in pharmacy and healthcare. Shae also reflects on how his MBA has equipped him to understand and tackle the financial challenges within healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of blending clinical knowledge with business acumen to enhance patient care and streamline operations.

00:00 Introduction to the Strive Podcast

00:41 Shay Keller's Journey: From Pharmacy to Business

01:33 Exploring Pharmacy Informatics with Shay Keller

09:25 The Future of Pharmacy Informatics and AI Integration

13:34 Innovations and Challenges in the Pharmacy Space

28:38 The Impact of Business Acumen in Healthcare

39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare and Pharmacy

Join host Sai Mannam on the Strive Podcast for an exploration on the complexities of identity, authenticity, and societal expectations. Sai shares personal anecdotes and insights to discuss the challenges and impacts of conforming to societal norms.

Time Points:

00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Strive Podcast00:37 - Exploring Universal Human Experiences01:39 - From Coastal India to Urban Anonymity: A Personal Tale03:48 - The Quest for Authenticity Amidst Societal Expectations06:53 - Embracing Authenticity Over Approval07:25 - The Path to Liberation: Honoring Our Intrinsic Value07:56 - Preserving Individuality in a Conforming World

In this episode of the Strive podcast, we welcome Zach Bernstein, a third-year medical student from Emory University School of Medicine, to discuss the landscape of medical education, the importance of mental wellness, and the integration of technology in learning. Zach shares his journey through medical education, his role in mentorship, and his passion for neuroscience. We delve into how artificial intelligence and social media are shaping medical education and practice, while also tackling the challenges of maintaining mental wellness and harmony amidst the demanding medical school environment. We discuss the future of medicine, the power of social media for educational outreach, and finding balance through mindfulness and self-care strategies.

00:00 Welcome to the Strive Podcast: A Journey with Zach Bernstein

00:20 Zach Bernstein: From Basketball Dreams to Neurosurgery Aspirations

02:07 The Serendipitous Meeting and Mentorship Beginnings

04:48 Exploring the Mysteries of the Mind and Consciousness

13:38 The Realities of Medical School and Neurosurgery

24:50 Exploring the Impact of AI and Technology in Medical Education

25:25 The Game-Changing Role of AI in Clinical Research and Learning

27:00 Harnessing Large Language Models for Non-Traditional Learning in Medicine

29:29 Innovative Technologies and Gamification in Medical Training

33:35 The Future of Social Media in Medicine and Personal Mindset Strategies