The Last Zebra

What does it take to reclaim a dream you were told to abandon?

In this remarkable episode, Dr. Brittney Carman shares her decades-long journey from a 16-year-old who fell in love with medicine on a pediatric oncology floor to a mother, writer, professor, and finally a physician who started medical school at 42 years old.

Raised in a culture where higher education wasn’t encouraged and where religious leaders explicitly told her not to pursue medicine , Brittney followed the expected path - marriage, motherhood, and a career in teaching and creative writing. But the dream never left.

A single, unexpected moment - being asked as a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" what she would do if she won - cracked everything open:

“I’d go to medical school.”

That answer became the turning point that brought her back to the life she once thought was impossible. Today, she’s a nearly 3rd-year Internal Medicine resident at Tulane, a mother of three daughters, and a living testament that timing doesn’t define destiny.

This episode is about ambition, loss, faith, motherhood, courage, and the quiet power of trusting yourself enough to begin again.

This is The Last Zebra - real stories, real people, and real purpose.

💬 Comment “ZEBRA” to learn more.

🎧 Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Dr. Brittney Carman on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, The Last Zebra uncovers the extraordinary journeys of people reshaping medicine and redefining what it means to choose a life of purpose — no matter when the journey begins.

#TheLastZebra, #TheLastZebraPodcast, #DrBrittneyCarman, #UgoEzemaMD, #WomenInMedicine, #NonTraditionalStudent, #MedSchoolAt40, #SecondCareerMedicine, #CareerChange, #InspirationalStories, #MedicineJourney, #StorytellingInMedicine, #EmpathyInMedicine, #MedicalPodcast, #NeverTooLate, #PurposeDriven, #Resilience, #BeTheZebra

In this powerful episode of The Last Zebra Podcast, Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, Founder & CEO of Son of a Saint, sits down with Dr. Ugo Ezema to share how losing his father at age three shaped his purpose and inspired him to help fatherless boys in New Orleans find guidance, family, and belonging.

What started as a simple mission, to mentor boys growing up without dads, has become one of the city’s most transformative youth programs. For nearly 15 years, Son of a Saint has changed hundreds of lives through mentorship, therapy, education, and unconditional support.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sonny opens up about grief, resilience, fatherhood, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. His story is a testament to how healing one life can ripple through generations.

This is The Last Zebra - real stories, real people, and the courage it takes to care.

💬 Comment ZEBRA if you believe mentorship changes lives. 🦓

🎙️ Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Bivian “Sonny” Lee III on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Captivate: https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-last-zebra/

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, The Last Zebra explores the human stories that connect medicine, mentorship, and meaning — uncovering the extraordinary side of ordinary people who are changing the world through compassion, courage, and purpose.

#TheLastZebra, #TheLastZebraPodcast, #DrUgoEzema, #UgoEzemaMD, #BivianLee, #SonOfASaint, #YouthMentorship, #Fatherhood, #Resilience, #NewOrleans, #CommunityLeadership, #Empathy, #HealingThroughService, #BlackExcellence, #PodcastClips, #Inspiration, #Humanity, #PurposeDriven, #Leadership, #NonprofitImpact, #MenWhoMentor, #SocialImpact, #Storytelling, #BeTheZebra

Stacy Ann Smith — therapist, nonprofit founder, and survivor — joins The Last Zebra Podcast to share a story of faith, forgiveness, and fierce compassion.

From surviving childhood trauma to dedicating her life to helping women trapped in cycles of abuse, sex work, and human trafficking, Stacyann’s journey is one of purpose born from pain. What began as a trip to Indonesia turned into a calling that now transforms lives across Jamaica through her organization, Pursued International Foundation.

In this heartfelt episode, she and Dr. Ugo Ezema explore the intersection of faith, justice, and mercy — how hope can rebuild what trauma once shattered, and why every story, no matter how broken, deserves to be heard.

This is The Last Zebra: where empathy meets action, and faith becomes a force for healing.

🎙️ Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Stacyann Smith on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod on Spotify:

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Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, The Last Zebra uncovers the extraordinary stories of people who lead with purpose and compassion — from doctors to healers, teachers to survivors. In a world quick to label, we look deeper to find the common ground that makes us human.

#TheLastZebraPodcast, #TheLastZebraPod, #StacyannSmith, #DrUgoEzema, #UgoEzemaMD, #FaithAndHealing, #SurvivorStories, #HumanTraffickingAwareness, #WomenEmpowerment, #TherapistLife, #Jamaica, #NonprofitWork, #Resilience, #Forgiveness, #Empathy, #MedicineAndHumanity, #PodcastClips, #Inspiration, #Storytelling, #Hope

Kevin Thompson — Marine veteran, husband, father, and optimist — joins The Last Zebra Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, leadership, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.

After nearly twenty years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kevin reflects on the moments that shaped him — from growing up in Atlanta to surviving combat in Iraq, raising a family while serving overseas, and learning how to lead with empathy in one of the world’s toughest professions.

In this deeply human and often moving conversation, Dr. Ugo Ezema and Kevin explore what it means to grow through adversity, to redefine identity after service, and to balance duty with family, faith, and personal growth. From “reasoning with death” in the desert to building a life rooted in gratitude and authenticity, Kevin’s story is a reminder that even in chaos, there’s clarity — and that the best leaders are those who never lose their humanity.

This is The Last Zebra: where medicine, military, and humanity intersect. More than just a podcast about healthcare or service, it’s a space for real stories — raw, honest, and deeply personal — that remind us what connects us all.

🎙️ Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Kevin Thompson on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod on Spotify:

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Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Check out TLZ Pod on Captivate:

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▶️ SUBSCRIBE to The Last Zebra for more stories that challenge the conventions of medicine, leadership, and humanity.

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, The Last Zebra explores the extraordinary side of ordinary lives — doctors, veterans, and professionals whose experiences redefine what it means to serve, to lead, and to care. Every episode looks beyond titles and diagnoses to uncover the authentic, human stories at the heart of medicine and modern life.

#TheLastZebraPodcast, #TheLastZebraPod, #KevinThompson, #DrUgoEzema, #UgoEzemaMD, #MarineVeteran, #VeteranStories, #MilitaryPodcast, #Leadership, #Resilience, #Empathy, #WarStories, #Family, #Fatherhood, #Veterans, #ICUStories, #MedicineAndHumanity, #HealthcarePodcast, #HumanityInMedicine, #PodcastClips, #Authenticity, #Inspiration, #Storytelling

From a small town in Ecuador to the ICUs of New Orleans, Dr. Diana Espinoza’s story is one of courage, resilience, and discovery. 🇪🇨💙

In this episode of The Last Zebra, Dr. Espinoza sits down with Dr. Ugo Ezema to share her remarkable journey—from studying medicine at 17, to moving to the U.S. without knowing English, to finding purpose in Pulmonary and Critical Care during the pandemic.

Through language barriers, long nights, and moments of self-doubt, she found strength in service—and a passion for advocating for Spanish-speaking patients and the communities she serves.

Watch the full episode to hear how she’s redefining what it means to practice medicine with heart, empathy, and purpose.

🎙️ Listen to the conversation with Dr. Diana Espinoza on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, "The Last Zebra" looks for the common in all of us, focusing on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. In a world defined by seeking the most likely causes, we explore the stories that deviate from dogma to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine and humanity.

How do you find peace after a deeply painful experience? Join us for a powerful conversation with Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens on overcoming trauma and forging a new path forward.

Dr. Bryant-Stevens, a leading pediatrician and advocate, shares her extraordinary journey, from navigating segregated schools in her youth to facing overt racism during medical school. She reveals the profound lesson her parents taught her about unconditional love and service , and why she believes you must forgive for yourself, not for those who hurt you. She also explains her impactful work in health equity, which goes beyond describing disparities to actively closing the gaps , including a program that repairs homes for children with asthma.

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Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Dr. Ognjen Gajic on The Last Zebra Podcast: Stream TLZ Pod On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Listen TLZ Pod on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, "The Last Zebra" explores the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. It seeks the commonalities among us by focusing on stories that deviate from dogma to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine and humanity.

YouTube Tags (Long-Form Video): #TheLastZebra #DrUgoEzema #MedicalPodcast #Healthcare #Storytelling #Medicine #DrTyraBryantStevens #HealthEquity #RacismInMedicine #Pediatrics #Forgiveness #SocialJustice #Resilience #DoctorLife #MedicalStories #PhysicianWellness #HealthcareInnovation

For Critical Care Intensivist Dr. Ognjen Gajic, avoiding burnout in a demanding medical career isn't about "work-life balance," but harmony. In a clip from The Last Zebra, Dr. Gajic shares a personal story of career rejection that led to a profound realisation at home with his son. He explains why the conventional idea of "balance" is flawed and why prioritising family is the ultimate foundation for a sustainable and meaningful career in medicine.

This insightful conversation from "The Last Zebra" delves into the human challenges that shape a medical professional's life and career, highlighting how personal values are integral to professional success.

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Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Dr. Dee Ford on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Checkout TLZ Pod on Captivate:

https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-last-zebra/

SUBSCRIBE to The Last Zebra for more stories that challenge the conventions of medicine.

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VISIT

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Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, "The Last Zebra" explores the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. It seeks the commonalities among us by focusing on stories that deviate from dogma to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine and humanity.

GUEST

Featuring Ognjen Gajic, MD (Critical Care Intensivist)

MUSIC BY

'Solecism' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

This episode we speak to Dr. Dee Ford, MD, MSCR, ATSF (Pulmonary / Critical Care), as a Critical Care doctor, she's seen it all. But when her own near-death experience began with a single symptom—fatigue—she discovered a opportunity in modern medicine hiding in plain sight.

This is the essence of The Last Zebra: a story that looks past the diagnosis to find a profound, human truth. It's not about a rare disease, but a rare insight into what we're getting wrong in patient care, showcasing the authentic, grounded conversations we need to have.

In this powerful clip, Dr. Ugo Ezema and Dr. Dee Ford discuss her harrowing journey from doctor to patient, exploring the complex intersection of medical ethics, diagnosis, and the doctor-patient relationship.

Follow The Conversation On:

Dr. Ugo Ezema on IG: https://instagram/ugoezemamd

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Listen to the FULL, unfiltered conversation with Dr. Dee Ford on The Last Zebra Podcast:

Stream TLZ Pod On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Listen TLZ Pod on Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Checkout TLZ Pod on Captivate:

https://feeds.captivate.fm/the-last-zebra/

SUBSCRIBE to The Last Zebra for more stories that challenge the conventions of medicine.

https://www.youtube.com/@UgoEzemaMD?sub_confirmation=1

VISIT

https://linktr.ee/ugoezemamd for more from OJII Studio

Hosted by Dr. Ugo Ezema, "The Last Zebra" looks for the common in all of us, focusing on the unique, diverse, and individual experiences of medical professionals. In a world defined by seeking the most likely causes, we explore the stories that deviate from dogma to reveal the extraordinary side of medicine and humanity.

Song: Filaments

Composer: Scott Buckley

Website: https://youtube.com/user/musicbyscottb

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

“The art of medicine allows for a personal touch in patient care that goes beyond just following algorithms.” - Samantha Karlin MD

Dr. Samantha Karlin is a prominent dermatologist, based in South Louisiana. Join us on this episode of The Last Zebra Podcast 🦓 as we sit down with her and explore her inspiring journey from New Orleans to the world of dermatology.

Dr. Karlin shares her rich experiences, from her upbringing in New Orleans and her medical education at the University of Georgia and LSU, to her residency in Charleston, South Carolina. Discover how her father’s cancer diagnosis became a pivotal moment, influencing her decision to enter the medical field and ultimately choose dermatology.

Dive deep into Dr. Karlin’s professional life as she discusses the unique aspects of dermatology, including cancer prevention, and the diverse range of cases she handles. Learn about her decision to pursue private practice over academic medicine and the benefits it brings, such as greater control over her schedule and patient care.

Balancing a demanding career with family life is no easy feat. Dr. Karlin opens up about her personal journey through infertility and the joys of becoming a mother. Her story is a testament to resilience and dedication, offering valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring medical professionals and anyone balancing career and personal life.

Join us for this compelling conversation filled with motivational stories and professional insights. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and family. New episodes are available every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.

🔍 In This Episode:

• 🏥 From New Orleans to Dermatology: Follow Dr. Samantha Karlin’s path from her roots in New Orleans, through medical school at LSU, to becoming a dermatologist.

• 🌟 Overcoming Adversity: Hear how Dr. Karlin navigated the challenges of her father’s cancer diagnosis and how it influenced her career choices

• 🎓 Academic Pursuits: Learn about her education journey, including her experiences at the University of Georgia and her residency in Charleston, South Carolina.

• 👩‍⚕️ Career in Dermatology: Insights into why Dr. Karlin chose dermatology, the variety it offers, and the importance of cancer prevention.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Balancing Career and Family: Dr. Karlin shares her experiences of balancing a demanding medical career with family life, including her journey through infertility and becoming a mother.

• 💼 Private Practice vs. Academic Medicine: A look into Dr. Karlin’s decision to pursue private practice and the benefits it offers.

You can follow Dr Karlin below on social media 

- IG: samanthakarlin.md

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes from The Last Zebra Podcast. Your engagement helps us bring more inspiring and educational content to our audience. Check out other episodes for more enlightening discussions with professionals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Let us know your thoughts about this episode and more in the comments below!

Watch more episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv8hBtOLaEyAJkOA3xfoXTnxNXOpNT_G&si=VhBRrYpt3LzkVTDc

We are also available everywhere you listen to your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Producer and Videographer: Matt Koesy

Music: Raney Antoine Jr.

Connect with us:

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• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 🌐 Website: https://www.tghealthsystem.com/find-a-physician/ugochukwu-ezema-md/

"I was driven by a desire to understand not just the medications, but the entirety of patient health and the complexities involved." - Dr. Stephanie Farrell

On this episode of The Last Zebra Podcast! 🎙️🦓: Ugo sits down with Dr. Stephanie Ferrell, a Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow at Tulane University, to discuss her incredible journey from pharmacist to physician. Dr. Ferrell shares her unique career path, starting from her early years in South Carolina, her experiences as a pharmacist, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue a career in medicine. She dives deep into the challenges she faced as a non-traditional medical student, the integration of her pharmacy background into her medical practice, and her specialization in Pulmonary and Critical Care. Throughout the episode, Dr. Ferrell provides valuable insights into the healthcare field, reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, the importance of empathy in patient care, and her future aspirations in lung transplant. She also touches on her personal life, including her love for running, fostering animals, and spending time with family.

This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone interested in healthcare, career transitions, or personal growth. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with Dr. Stephanie Ferrell!

🔍 In This Episode:

- Introduction and Background: Dr. Stephanie Ferrell shares her journey from South Carolina to becoming a Pulmonary and Critical Care fellow at Tulane.

- Early Career and Pharmacy: Insights into Stephanie’s early career as a pharmacist, including her experiences and challenges.

- Transition to Medicine: The pivotal moments and motivations that led her to pursue a career in medicine, overcoming initial rejections and personal hurdles.

- Pharmacy and Medicine Integration: How her background in pharmacy has influenced her approach to medicine, particularly in internal medicine and pharmacology.

- Challenges in Medical School: Stephanie discusses the difficulties of being a non-traditional medical student and how she overcame them.

- Specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care: The reasons behind her choice to specialize in Pulmonary and Critical Care, and her future aspirations in lung transplant.

- COVID-19 Impact: Reflections on the impact of COVID-19 on her personal and professional life, including the loss of her mother and the challenges faced during the pandemic.

- Personal Life and Hobbies: A glimpse into Stephanie’s life outside of medicine, including her love for running, fostering animals, and spending time with family.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes from The Last Zebra Podcast. New episodes are available every Tuesday morning on all major podcast platforms and YouTube. Your engagement helps us bring more inspiring and educational content to our audience. Check out other episodes for more enlightening discussions with professionals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Let us know your thoughts about this episode and more in the comments below!

Watch episodes here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv8hBtOLaEyAJkOA3xfoXTnxNXOpNT_G&si=VhBRrYpt3LzkVTDc

We are also available everywhere you listen to your podcasts:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-last-zebra/id1715958112

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13QjxW49xOkSqkP9zQKyRS?si=_94N98AiTYGFD02EgHXZtA

Special Thanks to Producer and Videographer Matt Koesy! Appreciate you my guy!

Connect with us:

• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugoezemamd?igsh=MWlrNmVpMGRyc3dtdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• 🐦 Twitter/ X: https://x.com/ugoezemamd?s=21&t=Ee0YQCGqmp81QvwUH54LZQ
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 🌐 Website: https://www.tghealthsystem.com/find-a-physician/ugochukwu-ezema-md/