This summer, I took on one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of my life: my very first Ironman 70.3. That’s 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of biking, and a 13.1-mile run—all in a single day.

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the full story—what training really looked like while balancing work, family, and life, how I approached fueling for endurance (and what I’d do differently), and what it felt like to stand on the starting line of an Ironman event for the first time.

There were high points, low points, lessons learned, and a finish line that I’ll never forget. Whether you’re a fellow endurance athlete, someone curious about triathlons, or just looking for inspiration to take on your own “big scary thing,” this episode is a real and honest look at what it takes to prepare for and complete a half Ironman.

FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Ironman 70.3 experience, first half Ironman race, triathlon training tips, fueling for endurance events, Ironman nutrition lessons, balancing Ironman training with family, half Ironman race recap, first Ironman reflections, triathlon podcast episode, swim bike run podcast, endurance athlete story, beginner Ironman journey, training for 70.3 miles, Ironman tips for moms, balancing triathlon with career, PA triathlete story, mindset lessons from endurance

We’ve all heard the saying, “The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.” And wow, do I feel that one deeply.

In this episode of The PA Is In, I’m sharing 10 things I wish I had started 10 years ago. Some are professional — like learning to negotiate and tracking my value from day one. Others are personal — like learning to rest as a practice instead of a reward, or seeing food as fuel.

From career missteps to life lessons, I’ll walk you through each of the 10 things, the cringe-worthy mistakes I made along the way, and the takeaways you can apply today.

👉 Whether you’re a new grad just starting out or a seasoned provider looking to reset, this episode will give you both inspiration and action steps to make your future self proud.

SPONSORS 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠

TEXT: 417-616-1972

ADVANCED PRACTICE PLANNING https://www.advancedpracticeplanning.com/ 

CONNECT 

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Keywords: 10 things I wish I started 10 years ago, career lessons for physician associates, PA career growth, avoiding burnout in healthcare, negotiation tips for clinicians, tracking your value PA, side income for PAs, boundaries in medicine, work-life balance healthcare, personal growth lessons 2025, intuition in career decisions, rest as a practice not a reward, PA coaching podcast, clinician career sustainability, thriving in healthcare, mindset shifts for PAs, side hustles for clinicians

It’s that time of year—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, new shoes, and the bittersweet reality of sending little ones back to school. 🍎

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what life looks like in our house as the school year kicks off. From navigating morning routines with multiple kids to the feeling of a clean slate September brings, I’m reflecting on both the challenges and the opportunities this season holds.

Back-to-school isn’t just for the kids—it’s an invitation for us as parents, professionals, and people to start fresh. It’s a chance to try again, to reset rhythms, and to take stock of what’s working (and what’s not).

If you’ve been craving a reminder that you can always begin again—and that even amidst the chaos of drop-offs, lunchboxes, and permission slips—there’s joy in the reset, this episode is for you.

FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

back to school season, behind the scenes podcast, fresh start September, parenting young kids school, work life balance healthcare, clinician mom podcast, morning routines with kids, family life back to school, new beginnings podcast, parenting reset tips, opportunity to try again, school year fresh start, PA career podcast, juggling career and family, medicine and motherhood, sustainable clinician life

Back to Basics is back! My recurring guest, Sarah Miller, is on the show today to discuss all things insurance. Throughout this series, we’ve talked about all the ways to grow your money through investing and saving. But how do you protect this money while you’re accumulating your wealth? The answer - insurance. 

In today’s episode, we talk about all types of insurance. From home & auto to health to life to umbrella and more. Have you wondered the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance? Which one is right for you? We cover it all!

Sarah & I also discuss disability insurance and malpractice insurance, which are very important for healthcare providers to consider when looking at insurance coverage. 

Press play to learn everything you need to know about insurances so that you can protect your wealth and assets. 

Sarah is a personal finance nerd who learned about finances and investing from an early age from her father and grandfather, who both spent their careers in the corporate finance world. As an adult, Sarah immersed herself in the personal finance and FIRE spheres, learning from top experts. Sarah is my personal go-to for all financial questions, and she’s here to share her knowledge with all of you!

SPONSORS 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: [email protected]

TEXT: 417-616-1972

CONNECT WITH SARAH 👫

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-pa-va/

RESOURCES 📚

Previous episodes in Back to Basics Money Series: 

283: Back to Basics: Meet Sarah

287: Back to Basics: What Actually IS Investing?

290: Back to Basics: Traditional versus Roth - What’s the Difference?

293: Back to Basics: The Best Investments for Long-Term Success

296: Back to Basics: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

311: Back to Basics: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Savings Goals

335: Back to Basics: Investing for Your Kids

Disability Insurance:

Understanding Disability Insurance

How to Buy Disability Insurance

Guide to Insurance Companies

Malpractice Insurance:

Malpractice Insurance Basics

CM&F Group

COACHING 🎓

THE PART-TIME PATHWAY

⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support

In this episode of The PA Is In, Tracy Bingaman breaks down six surprising and game-changing features of Sermo, a clinician-only community designed specifically for APPs (PAs and NPs). From building real connections across the globe, to earning thousands through surveys, to engaging in raw and validating discussions with peers—you’ll hear exactly how Sermo is offering more than just another networking app. Tune in to find out how it supports collaboration, connection, learning, and even cash flow for busy clinicians like you.

JOIN SERMO & EARN $20 https://app.sermo.com:443/?sermoref=39d97a2c-f699-4f8b-b2f9-1eb131e18c75&utm_campaign=tell-a-friend 

SPONSORS 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: ⁠[email protected]⁠

TEXT: 417-616-1972

⁠SIDE GIG GUIDE⁠: ⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/gig

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Keywords: Sermo platform for clinicians, Sermo PA community, best survey side gigs for PAs, physician assistant networking platform, clinical survey earnings for PAs, safe online community for NPs, APP-only forum, make money online as a PA, Sermo referral bonus, Sermo vs Doximity, burnout recovery for clinicians, clinician-only discussion platform, real PA connections, non-clinical income for PAs, crowdsourced CME discussions, PA support community, Sermo survey tips, how to join Sermo, peer support for APPs, PA career growth tools

As women, and especially as moms, we constantly have overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. In addition to the stress of being a modern mom, we also have monthly hormonal changes that add additional physical and emotional symptoms.

We’re told that our physical complaints, changing moods, feelings of overwhelm, and increasing stress are “normal.” We’re told to just learn to live with them. 

But what if there’s a different way? What if we can actually learn to live in tune with our bodies? What if there’s a way to reclaim your life and your energy?

My guest, Amy Dave, is here to teach us about that way! Amy has been a PA for over 24 years and is also a Women's Wellness Coach specializing in helping moms sync their daily habits with their monthly cycles so that they can have increased energy, efficiency, and empowerment.

In today’s episode, Amy explains the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and how to incorporate cycle synching into your life. She explains that cycle synching is an intuitive way of living in connection with your body. By adjusting your diet and exercise to be in tune with each phase of your cycle, you can eliminate the stress, overwhelm, and frustration that sometimes control your life. 

Tune in to learn how small changes can have a big effect on creating a more empowered, energetic life. 

SPONSORS 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: [email protected]

TEXT: 417-616-1972

SIDE GIG GUIDE: https://www.tracybingaman.com/gig

CONNECT WITH AMY 👫

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewealthofwellnessllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewealthofwellnessllc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dave-pa-c-2461a3165/

Website: https://thewealthofwellness.com/

COACHING 🎓

THE PART-TIME PATHWAY

⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support

You’ve said it. I’ve said it. “I just need a vacation.”

But here’s the hard truth: summer vacation isn’t going to cure your burnout. In this episode of The PA Is In, we break down why time off only hits pause—not reset—on deep systemic burnout. You’ll learn:

• The difference between being tired and being burned out

• Why boundaries matter more than beach chairs

• Restorative practices that actually work

• How to find clarity on your “enough” point

• Micro-changes that create sustainable recovery
  

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Keywords: burnout recovery tips, summer vacation burnout myth, healthcare burnout prevention, PA career sustainability, physician associate wellness, tired vs burned out, emotional exhaustion solutions, depersonalization in medicine, work boundaries healthcare, restorative practices for clinicians, peer support for burnout, clarity in career goals, micro changes for sustainability, PA burnout coaching, part-time transition guide

As parents, we want to set our kids up for success. We want them to teach them how to be wonderful humans and responsible citizens with careers they enjoy and lives they love. We want to provide our children excellent educations, whether that involves college or trade school, and be able to successfully join the workforce as they become adults. But how do we do this? Saving for college can be an overwhelming thought. 

Beyond education, many parents also want to provide a nest egg for their children that can be used for weddings, mortgage down payments, starting a business or more. 

How do we set our children up for financial success? My financial guru, Sarah Miller, is back to answer all these questions and more. In today’s episode, Sarah and I discuss teaching your children about money and finances starting at a very early age. We also get into the details of investing vehicles, including 529s, UTMAs, UGMAs, and taxable brokerage accounts. 

Sarah is a personal finance nerd who learned about finances and investing from an early age from her father and grandfather, who both spent their careers in the corporate finance world. As an adult, Sarah immersed herself in the personal finance and FIRE spheres, learning from top experts. Sarah is my personal go-to for all financial questions, and she’s here to share her knowledge with all of you!

SPONSORS 🏆

TELEHEALTH RECRUITING WITH BRI REITZNER : 

EMAIL: [email protected]

TEXT: 417-616-1972

CONNECT WITH SARAH 👫

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-miller-pa-va/

RESOURCES 📚

Previous episodes in Back to Basics Money Series: 

283: Back to Basics: Meet Sarah

287: Back to Basics: What Actually IS Investing?

290: Back to Basics: Traditional versus Roth - What’s the Difference?

293: Back to Basics: The Best Investments for Long-Term Success

296: Back to Basics: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

311: Back to Basics: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Savings Goals

529 Comparison:

Choosing the Best 529 College Savings Plan for Your Family

How to Pay for College Episode:

259: How to Pay for College (And Still Be Able to Retire) with Ann Garcia

COACHING 🎓

THE PART-TIME PATHWAY

⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com/pathway

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠  

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate

⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST 👍

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law—and it's about to change everything for clinicians, patients, and healthcare systems across the country.

In this episode of The PA Is In, host Tracy Bingaman, PA-C and clinician career coach, breaks down the OBBB from a provider's perspective—not as a politician or policy analyst, but as someone living the reality of frontline care.

We’ll unpack:

• What the OBBB is and why it matters

• When major changes roll out (starting Jan 2026!)

• 5 key impacts on clinicians, from Medicaid cuts to Medicare drug price negotiations

• Why rural hospitals and safety-net systems are especially vulnerable

• What you can do—today—to stay informed and advocate for your patients and your profession
  

You deserve to understand the system you’re working in—and how it’s changing around you. Tune in now to get clear, stay equipped, and be part of the conversation.

Link to Advocacy Episode: 

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/201-pa-a-beginners-take-on-advocacy-as-a-pa/id1534076810?i=1000613492091 

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Keywords: One Big Beautiful Bill, OBBB healthcare changes, Medicaid cuts 2025, ACA subsidy rollback, rural hospital closures, Medicare drug negotiation 2025, PA advocacy tips, healthcare legislation explained, clinician impact OBBB, practicing medicine sustainably

Welcome to medicine, new graduate — and welcome to this powerful episode of The PA Is In. Tracy Bingaman shares an open letter filled with hard-earned wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and truth-telling advice for those just beginning their journey in healthcare.

From learning to negotiate and setting boundaries, to avoiding burnout and defining your own version of success, this episode is a rallying cry for new grads to challenge the status quo. Whether you're starting your first job or mentoring someone who is, this message is a must-hear for anyone in healthcare today.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What she wishes someone told her when she started

• The real cost of buying into hustle culture

• How to redefine success on your terms

• Financial advice no one gave you in PA school

• Why negotiation isn’t optional — it’s essential

🎧 Tune in to feel seen, supported, and fired up to do healthcare differently.

⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠ ⁠ 

⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TRACY 🤝

⁠LINKEDIN ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠⁠

⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠⁠

WEBSITE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tracybingaman.com⁠

🎁 Bonus Freebie: Grab your free guide with 48 healthcare-specific side hustle ideas at 👉 tracybingaman.com/gig

Keywords: new grad PA advice, physician associate career tips, starting in medicine, healthcare burnout prevention, PA career boundaries, new medical graduate letter, success in healthcare, redefining success medicine, PA negotiation tips, thriving in healthcare