The Middle of Medicine: Recent Episodes
Peter and Aubrey Jones
A podcast about medicine, from people at both ends of the spectrum. We meet in the middle and discuss things we see from the extremes.
Episode notes:
Life update: Aubrey's big move
Aubrey recounts her whirlwind move from Salt Lake to Madison, including stops in St. Louis and Kansas City
Multiple legs of travel: graduation events, Yellowstone, packing chaos
U-Haul issues, car towing logistics, and vacuum-sealed bags saved the day
One casualty: the grill flew off her Kia mid-drive--but all else survived
Settling in
The new apartment is mostly unpacked (minus a couch)
Aubrey and Hayden are adjusting well, and enjoying the Midwest summer
Hayden has started his new job, joining the "Beaker" team and diving into orientation
Movie talk: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
Spoiler-free discussion with Peter and Aubrey both praising the film
Aubrey admits to missing the early films but loves the franchise's vibe
Peter shares thoughts on the evolution of the series, noting a tonal shift in this entry
Both appreciate the intense action, suspense, and signature Tom Cruise running scenes
Discussion of directing styles through the series--from De Palma to McQuarrie
Peter floats the idea that this film might be both the best and worst of the series
Looking Ahead
Aubrey plans to watch Mission Impossible 1--4 to complete her viewing experience
A follow-up episode on the early entries in the franchise is teased
Show Notes:
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Aubrey calls in from the car after a weekend trip to Yellowstone.
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Reflections on the weird but welcome post-grad downtime.
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Trip to St. Louis to see Hayden graduate--one ceremony brought sunburn, the other brought Simone Biles.
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Simone Biles sighting! Aubrey was just feet away and too starstruck to say anything--but did manage to snap a photo.
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Simone gave a great speech--delivered from a literal gold podium, heels and all.
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More travel ahead: packing up, visiting Poki, and bouncing between places.
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Peter reports on rainy weather, a now-employed teen lifeguard, and general quiet.
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Brief episode to stay connected before a fuller one later in the week.
Show Notes
Concert Experience:
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Attended Spiritbox's sold-out show at Rockwell (The Complex, SLC).
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Observations on the diverse crowd and high female representation compared to typical metal shows.
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Praise for the band's dynamic live performance, visuals, and tight set design.
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Standout songs: “Holy Roller”, “Soft Spine”, “No Loss, No Loss”, and “Crystal Roses”.
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Courtney LaPlante described as a "spooky angel fairy princess demon" for her mesmerizing stage presence.
Setlist & Discography Thoughts:
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Breakdown of Spiritbox's unique release strategy: multiple EPs and singles instead of traditional albums.
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Discussion of their rapid rise following "Holy Roller" and how they've kept momentum by staying in the public eye with frequent releases.
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Comparison to Weird Al's release philosophy in the digital age.
Opening Acts:
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Thoughts on Dying Wish (humorously misread as "Dingwish") and Loathe.
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Energy and effort were appreciated, but the music didn't quite land with either host.
Group Outing:
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The joy of going with a group: Hayden, Liv, Jess, and Jon joined for dinner and the show.
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Reflections on the generational experience of concerts and aging at shows ("these kids don't stand anymore").
Resistance Training = Fountain of Youth:
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Peter shares evidence-based insights on how strength training can improve longevity, skin quality, recovery, and overall health.
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Emphasizes the role of muscle in balance, injury prevention, and post-surgical recovery.
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"Pick something up, put it down, repeat until you're nearly out of gas -- that's the magic."
What We Discuss:
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Sibling energy and setup quirks: Peter and Aubrey kick off the episode sharing laughs about their podcast gear, Easter weekend catch-up, and family updates.
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The grind of finals season: Aubrey gives a peek into the academic chaos of her final weeks in undergrad, complete with quantum mechanics and end-of-semester overload.
Generational reflections on journaling:
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Peter recounts how journaling went from a teenage afterthought to a vital part of his daily introspection and habit-tracking system.
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Aubrey reflects on her childhood love for writing and how journaling helped her emotionally process in middle and high school—and why she’s trying to return to it now.
Mental health, anxiety, and the myth of productivity through panic:
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Aubrey opens up about how journaling helps untangle the learned behavior of equating anxiety with success.
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Peter shares how journaling, therapy, and emotional vulnerability still feel hard to access—especially for men in high-pressure roles.
Finding your own system:
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The pair critique “one-size-fits-all” journaling advice and emphasize that the right journaling method is the one that actually works for you.
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From structured prompts to chaotic brain dumps, they stress the importance of experimentation, personalization, and consistency.
Identity vs. profession:
- Peter reflects on what it means to be more than your job, and how journaling has helped him rediscover his identity as Peter—not just "Dr. Jones."
Cosmic curiosity:
- Aubrey brings the astro-fact of the week: could dimethyl sulfide in a distant exoplanet's atmosphere be a biosignature? The science says… maybe. But don’t bet your space dollars on it yet.
A gentle call to action:
- Try journaling. Start wherever you are. Make it your own. And don’t believe the internet when it tells you there’s only one “right” way.
Episode Notes:
Life Update Catch-Up
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Aubrey's semester is peaking with finals, work, and wedding planning.
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Peter recounts a restful spring break, surgical wins, and a gentle rant about university fundraising.
The Topic: Unexpected Life Lessons
- Prompted by a podcast title she saw, Aubrey kicks off a conversation on the surprising places we learn from.
Aubrey's Lessons
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Working at a children's hospital taught her she didn't want a life in medicine--despite starting as a pre-med.
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Instead, she discovered a love for space and the importance of aligning her career with her values and emotional capacity.
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A failed organic chemistry class was a blessing in disguise, pointing her to a new path.
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A failed AR test in 4th grade (thanks to speeding through The Hobbit) taught her quality over quantity.
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A stranger's kindness during a botched Frontier flight connection became a lasting reminder: People don't always suck.
Peter's Lessons
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Working low-level jobs in a hospital and waiting tables gave him the humility and teamwork skills that make him a better surgeon today.
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Reading voraciously as a kid shaped his communication skills, creative thinking, and confidence in writing--skills that help him every day as a physician and author.
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Being able to smile through chaos (and scumbag customers) was a survival skill learned while serving tables on $2.13/hour.
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Embracing failure as a path to growth--backed up by wise words from Brandon Sanderson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Final Thoughts
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Journaling gets a shoutout as a key tool for reflection and catching those life lessons.
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No medical news this time--just good vibes, honesty, and anticipation for the upcoming Spiritbox concert.
Got your own unexpected life lesson? Drop the hosts a line at feedback@generations.fm
Stay tuned for the next episode in two weeks!
Catching Up:
• Peter is in the final stretch of a 10-day call and looking forward to time off.
• Aubrey shares updates on her graduation timeline, wedding planning stress, and how her classes feel like a slog in the final semester.
Main Topic: Social Media Across Generations
Peter and Aubrey compare their experiences and attitudes toward various social platforms:
Facebook:
• Aubrey: Rarely uses it, mostly to check in on family posts; associates it with an older generation.
• Peter: Actively dislikes it, especially post-2020; only keeps it for limited practical reasons.
• Shared sentiment: Feels like a platform overwhelmed by misinformation and outdated content.
Instagram:
• Aubrey: Treats it like a personal photo scrapbook; now uses it sparingly and mindfully.
• Peter: Mostly follows memes, bands, and comics; minimal time spent but appreciates the humor.
Twitter/X, BlueSky, Mastodon:
• Aubrey: Never liked Twitter and hasn't touched it in years.
• Peter: Deleted his Twitter account after Elon Musk's acquisition; briefly explored alternatives like BlueSky and Mastodon but found them underwhelming.
TikTok:
• Aubrey: Used to spend a lot of time on it for humor and recipes but now imposes strict limits to avoid doomscrolling.
• Peter: Visits occasionally but hasn't engaged enough for the algorithm to work well; finds it underwhelming.
LinkedIn:
• Aubrey: Only uses it to play the games (!) and occasionally updates for academic reasons.
• Peter: Actively dislikes the culture of self-congratulatory posting; logs in solely to clear out spammy messages.
Reddit:
• Peter: His most-used platform, especially for niche interests and news. Recommends curating the homepage to filter out toxicity.
• Aubrey: Dislikes the general vibe; finds it to be full of complaints and arguments. Feels more like a "cesspool" than a community.
Mini Segments:
• Peter's Medical Fact:
Sleeping more than 9 hours regularly can be worse for you than getting too little sleep, increasing the risk of early-onset dementia and other health issues.
• Aubrey's Physics Update:
Aubrey revisits a previous topic about Microsoft's quantum chip and shares skepticism from a condensed matter physicist. Claims about stabilizing Majorana zero modes are likely overblown or misleading, casting doubt on Microsoft's announcement.
Episode Notes:
• Personal Updates & Music Discussion
• Aubrey shares plans for a spring break camping trip.
• Peter reflects on a hectic work schedule and the challenge of balancing clinic and surgery days.
• Discussion on Spiritbox's new album Tsunami Sea, its evolution from Eternal Blue, and its potential impact on the metal scene.
AI in Everyday Life
• Both hosts discuss their regular use of AI tools.
• Aubrey uses AI for tasks like rewording sentences, generating email drafts, and even creating AI images for fun.
• Peter extensively uses AI for running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, generating content, summarizing documents, and simplifying technical tasks.
• The usefulness of AI in coding, including debugging and optimizing scripts.
Where AI Excels and Fails
• AI shines in summarizing information, brainstorming, and streamlining repetitive tasks.
• Math and creative writing remain weak points for AI, as it often generates incorrect solutions and generic prose.
• The dangers of relying on AI too much, particularly in academic settings.
• Apple's AI offerings, including Image Playgrounds and auto-summarization, fall short in comparison to more established AI tools.
Final Thoughts
• The importance of using AI as a supplement rather than a substitute for human effort.
• Excitement about the future of AI, particularly in creative and technical fields.
• A preview of upcoming topics and a reminder to like, share, and subscribe.
Join us for a fun and insightful discussion on the intersection of AI and daily life--whether for work, creativity, or just making life a little easier.
Aubrey's Boxing Experience:
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Attended her coach's professional boxing match, her first-ever pro fight.
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Describes the intensity of 3-minute rounds and the brutal nature of the sport.
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Insight into weight cuts and the physical toll on fighters.
Book Talk -- Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere:
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Peter finishes The Lost Metal and prepares for Wind and Truth by watching a 3-hour recap video.
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Aubrey finishes Wind and Truth and dives into The Sunlit Man, discussing the interconnectedness of the Cosmere.
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Both discuss Tress of the Emerald Sea and how it serves as a great entry point to Sanderson's universe.
Epic Systems Campus Tour:
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Aubrey shares her visit to Epic Systems' whimsical and surreal campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Descriptions of themed buildings (Wizarding, Alice in Wonderland, Chocolate Factory) and over-the-top decor.
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The quirky layout includes tunnels, galaxy carpets, and immersive themed environments.
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Peter recalls his experience at Epic, humorously comparing it to a parody of Silicon Valley excess.
Rants on Electronic Medical Records:
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Peter explains his love-hate relationship with Epic as an EMR, likening it to choosing the least bad STD.
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Critiques on how EMRs prioritize billing and coding over patient care.
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Insight into the history of Epic, which started as billing software.
Tech and Science Corner:
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Discussion on Ozempic and Wegovy's impact on elective surgeries due to delayed gastric emptying.
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Aubrey explains a breakthrough in quantum computing with Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip, potentially revolutionizing simulations.
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Peter passionately explains why encryption backdoors are inherently flawed.
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Criticism of UK's request to Apple to implement a global backdoor.
In this episode of Generations, we dive into a mix of topics, from life updates to fandom deep dives. We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes podcast improvements and a shout-out to Audio Hijack before discussing the latest in our personal lives. Aubrey shares her packed schedule balancing work and classes, while Peter reflects on workplace stress and his latest reading adventures, including The Lost Metal and Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy.
The discussion then shifts to Dungeons & Dragons, as Peter recounts the challenges of running a heist-based campaign and the group's struggle with strategic thinking. The episode's main event, however, is the two of us taking the Knights Radiant quiz to determine which order they belong to, leading to some fun surprises and in-depth analysis of our results.
On the music front, we geek out over Spiritbox, sharing excitement for an upcoming concert and reacting to the band's latest single, with a live first-time listen from Aubrey. We discuss the band's Grammy nomination, past Patreon exclusives, and the horror-inspired themes in their music.
The show wraps up with a discussion on the Little Red Dots discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, which could either be ancient dwarf galaxies or remnants of supermassive black holes. We also touch on the state of the medical field and the broader societal climate, emphasizing the need for kindness and community in challenging times.
Key Takeaways
Audio Hijack is an essential tool for podcasters using Macs.
The Knights Radiant quiz led to fascinating discussions about identity and personality traits.
Spiritbox continues to push boundaries in the metal scene, and their upcoming album looks to be heavier than ever.
The James Webb Space Telescope is revealing strange and unexplained cosmic phenomena.
The medical field faces serious challenges, and we all need to support each other in tough times.
🎵 GENERATIONS: The Concert Chronicles 🎵
Ever had a concert experience that gave you chills? This week, Aubrey and Peter dive deep into the electrifying world of live music, sharing stories that'll have you reliving your own favorite shows!
From earth-shaking metal performances to hip-hop spectacles, our hosts bare their souls about the concerts that changed their lives – and a few that didn't quite hit the mark.
Peter takes us on a journey through:
• The mind-bending intensity of Neurosis that left an indelible mark on his soul
• His passionate pilgrimage following Rush across venues and through the years
• A poetic pandemic story, bracketed by the cosmic sounds of Cult of Luna and Yob
Aubrey lights up remembering:
• An unforgettable night with Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples, and Kali Uchis bringing St. Louis to life
• Her gateway into concert culture with Twenty-One Pilots
• The anticipation building for an upcoming dream lineup featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA
But it's not all standing ovations! Our hosts keep it real with some memorable letdowns:
• Iron Maiden battling against venue acoustics (and losing)
• Megadeth showing their age in all the wrong ways
• Keith Urban's performance that felt more like a rehearsal than a show
Join us for an episode that celebrates the raw, unfiltered magic of live music – from the transcendent highs to the occasional lows. Because whether you're a metalhead, hip-hop enthusiast, or country fan, nothing beats the thrill of seeing your favorite artists in the flesh!
🎧 Press play and relive the magic with us! 🎧
It's a new year, and on this episode of Generations, we talk about our plans for 2025, focusing on our goals and themes. We discuss our methods for tracking our progress, what some of those goals are, and how we think last year went.
• Aubrey discusses the start of the new semester and her excitement about returning to school and wedding planning.
• Peter reflects on a tough start to the year due to work challenges.
Wedding Planning Updates:
• Aubrey shares that she has chosen her wedding dress and secured a venue and photographer, expressing relief at having major tasks completed.
• She mentions creating a detailed master spreadsheet with her fiancé Hayden to track wedding planning progress.
New Year Reflections:
• The hosts reject the idea of New Year's resolutions, opting instead for broader yearly themes and systems to guide personal growth.
• Peter reflects on his 2024 theme, the "Year of Improved Health," and evaluates its successes and challenges.
• For 2025, Peter introduces his new theme, the "Year of Conscious Action," emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality in daily actions.
Aubrey's Themes and Goals for 2025:
• With significant life changes ahead--graduation, moving, and marriage--Aubrey focuses on being present in the moment and reducing anxiety.
• Her goals are categorized into academic, physical, mental, and relationship-focused areas. She emphasizes simplicity and achievability in her goal-setting.
Daily Routines and Habit Tracking:
• Peter discusses his efforts to optimize his morning routine, including journaling and habit tracking, to create a more intentional start to his day.
• He reflects on his use of the "Theme System Journal" for structured reflection and gratitude practices.
• Peter recommends habit-tracking apps, specifically highlighting Strides and Atomic Habit Tracker, explaining their features and benefits.
Aubrey's Habit Practices:
• Aubrey shares her experience using the Eden app for habit tracking but emphasizes the importance of separating habits from larger goals.
• She revisits her love of using GoodNotes on her iPad to organize her goals in a simple, structured format.
Other Topics:
• Aubrey shares her excitement about publishing her astrophysics research, which involved coding a program to simulate supermassive black hole growth.
• Peter comments on recent trends in continuous glucose monitoring and daily hormone testing, cautioning against unnecessary data overload for non-diabetic individuals.
Aubrey and Peter dive into the highs and lows of cardio workouts, reflecting on personal experiences from marathons to boxing, while dishing on the best (and worst) Peloton instructors. The father-daughter duo also brings their signature mix of science and wit, exploring how machine learning and quantum physics intersect and tackling the testosterone therapy trend.
Episode Highlights:
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Finals Week Triumphs: Aubrey wraps up her toughest semester yet with marathon study sessions and shares how her professor's grading curve saved her thermodynamics grade.
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Cardio Confessions: The hosts bond over their love-hate relationship with cardio. From Peter’s treadmill marathon misery to Aubrey’s sprints-and-boxing endurance battles, they get real about what works and what doesn’t.
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Peloton Picks: A hilarious breakdown of Peloton instructors they love (Ally Love, Tunde Oyeneyin, Dennis Morton) and those they… don’t (sorry, Robin Arzón and Alex Toussaint).
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Fitness Alternatives: Peter shares his passion for rucking and jump rope, proving there’s more to cardio than running.
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Quantum Physics Meets Machine Learning: Aubrey explains how neural networks are advancing quantum state modeling and why quantum computers could unlock the future of physics.
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Testosterone Therapy PSA: Peter, a urologist, debunks myths about testosterone replacement, calling out online clinics and urging men to prioritize lifestyle changes over quick fixes.
Key Points
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Fitness is about finding what works for you—even if cardio isn’t your favorite.
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Advances in quantum physics and machine learning are reshaping what we know about the universe.
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Beware of trendy health solutions—there’s no substitute for putting in the work.
In this special episode, Peter, Aubrey, and guest co-host Jess gather in person for an engaging conversation. From nostalgic memories of early podcast days to intriguing science and health facts, this episode is packed with insights and fun. Tune in to hear:
Podcast Highlights:
• How each host discovered podcasts and their favorite shows, including Dear Hank and John, Science Vs., and Worlds Beyond Number.
• The evolution of podcast apps and listening habits--remember the days of syncing iPods?
• Recommendations for science, tech, and storytelling podcasts.
Science Tidbits:
• Aubrey dives into dark matter research, sharing how scientists are on edge, waiting for a supernova that could help unravel one of the universe's greatest mysteries.
• A fun fact about axions and their potential connection to dark matter--plus why timing is critical for detection!
Health and Fitness:
• Peter shares surprising data on the connection between walking and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, as well as why staying active benefits overall health.
• A reminder: It's not about perfection in fitness; it's about finding movement you enjoy.
A Personal Connection:
• Reflections on why Peter and Aubrey started their podcasts and the joy of exploring shared interests with friends and family.
Whether you're here for podcast inspiration, fascinating science, or practical health advice, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this lively and thoughtful discussion!
On this episode of Generations, co-hosts Peter and Aubrey reflect on their recent experiences and favorite tech tools that keep them productive and inspired. From apps that help them stay organized to cosmic discoveries, this episode is packed with engaging insights.
Highlights:
Aubrey's Life Updates & Tech Favorites
• Discusses the challenges of moving while juggling school and work.
• Shares how Stardew Valley has been a source of comfort during tough times.
• Explores the versatility of GoodNotes, her go-to app for:
• Handwritten notes on her iPad.
• Homework, lecture annotations, and planning.
• Keeping her academic life organized with colorful, customizable notebooks.
Peter's Tech Tools & Writing Journey
• Talks about using Obsidian for National Novel Writing Month, replacing Scrivener for its seamless sync across devices.
• Highlights how Apple's ecosystem simplifies work and creativity through integration between devices.
• Recommends tools like Fantastical for calendar organization and Unread for triaging news and articles.
A Shared Love for the Apple Ecosystem
• Discuss how Apple devices streamline their productivity, syncing photos, notes, and calendars effortlessly.
• Peter touches on the power of software subscriptions and why they can be worth the investment.
Astro Fact of the Day
Aubrey shares a fascinating discovery: Two massive black holes orbiting each other at the center of a galaxy disrupt a massive gas cloud. This tidal disruption event led to a unique signal detected by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.
Tune in for tech insights, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the cosmos! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share. For feedback or topic suggestions, email us at feedback@generations.fm. See you in two weeks!
This week on "Generations", join Aubrey and Peter as they dive into Aubrey's recent boxing match experience, from intense preparation to the adrenaline-fueled fight night. Hear about the unexpected challenges, bloody noses, and the mental rollercoaster of competing in the ring. Peter offers a touching perspective as a concerned parent watching from the sidelines.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Our hosts introduce two new segments:
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Aubrey's Astro Corner: Get starstruck with a rare comet sighting visible to the naked eye.
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Peter's Health Insights: Discover why your standing desk might not be the health savior you thought it was.
Plus, a teaser for writers: National Novel Writing Month is just around the corner!
Tune in for a knockout blend of personal stories, space wonders, and myth-busting health facts. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast, an astronomy buff, or just curious about the world around you, this episode has something for everyone!
Brace yourselves for a no-holds-barred political showdown on this week's Generations! Peter and Aubrey throw their gloves into the ring, tackling the hot-button issues that are shaping our world.
Fair warning: We're not pulling any punches with our opinions. If you're looking for a neutral take, you might want to sit this round out.
Before we dive into the political arena, catch up with the hosts:
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Peter shares tales from the frontlines of complex cancer surgeries
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Aubrey gives us the inside scoop on her intense prep for Fight Night 2024
Then, strap in as we dissect the latest presidential debate:
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Hear the candidates in their own words with exclusive audio clips
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Get our unfiltered reactions and analysis
Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to make sense of it all, this episode of Generations promises to be a knockout. Don't miss this ringside seat to the political bout of the year!
Get ready for a harmonious blend of academia and artistry on this week's "Generations"! Join hosts Aubrey and Peter as they welcome their special guest, Elissa, fresh from her triumph in the world of vocal performance and pedagogy.
With Elissa's master's degree still hot off the press, the trio dives into a discussion about the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of grad school life. Peter dusts off his own post-grad memories, comparing notes with Elissa on their journeys through the hallowed halls of higher education.
But wait, there's more! Aubrey, our resident undergrad, chimes in with her candid thoughts on pursuing an advanced degree. Will her perspective strike a chord with our academically-inclined guests, or create some thought-provoking dissonance?
Tune in for an episode that's equal parts nostalgic, eye-opening, and forward-looking. Whether you're considering grad school, reminiscing about your own academic adventures, or just curious about the paths less traveled, this week's "Generations" is sure to educate and entertain!
This week on Generations, Aubrey and Peter talk about their time in college, including favorite and least favorite classes, how it went and is going, and some of the ways college prepared them for the future.
This month it is all about the works of Brandon Sanderson. Aubrey and I discuss many of his books, sans spoilers, and our thoughts and overall reactions. For both of us, he has become a favorite author, and we discuss what it is that works so well for us.
Hooray for another in person episode! This month Aubrey and I talk about our workout regimens as well as some of our other health goals and activities. It's always fun for us to talk about these things that are so important to us.
Last month we took a deep dive into our goal setting systems as the new year started. This month, we lighten things up by discussing some of our comfort media. What are the movies, TV shows, and books that we turn to when we want to feel good? Listen and find out!
Kick-start 2024 with insightful goal setting strategies on this month's episode of Generations! Join Aubrey and me as we delve into the art of effective goal setting in our latest episode. Breaking away from traditional New Year's resolutions, we explore the transformative power of adopting a 'Yearly Theme.' Discover why resolutions often falter and how a thematic approach can lead to meaningful, achievable goals. Tune into Generations this month for a unique blend of father-daughter perspectives, and let us guide you towards finding your path to success. Embrace a new outlook on goal setting with us, and be inspired to shape your year ahead!
This week, join Aubrey and I as the two of us, a seasoned surgeon and an aspiring astrophysicist, delve into the world of resistance training in our latest episode of Generations. We're passionate advocates for weight lifting and all forms of resistance training, a gem in the fitness world often overlooked by the average person. In this episode, we unpack a year's worth of compelling studies revealing the myriad benefits of this exercise form. We share our personal fitness journeys, detailing how resistance training has revolutionally transformed our lives, both mentally and physically. Our discussion navigates through the numerous health benefits anyone can reap by incorporating this training into their lifestyle. Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, this episode offers insightful, evidence-based perspectives on boosting your health regime. So tune in, get inspired, and join our conversation on making resistance training a staple in your fitness journey.
This week Aubrey and I get back together. Things have been tough lately between school, work, and just life in general. So we wanted to talk about some of the things that are helping us get through it all and that we have been enjoying. We wrap it up with some astrophysics talk courtesy of Aubrey.
Earlier this summer, I decided I needed to take control of my life. I was doing the things I needed to do, but wasn't really progressing as a human in the ways I wanted to. So I sort of made up a system of goal setting and tracking. I mentioned this to Aubrey, and she started doing it as well. So, for the last few months, we have been working on setting and keeping track of our goals and our progress as people, and thought it would be valuable to talk about.
For years, Aubrey danced. And we loved watching her dance. She has skills and grace that made it a joy to watch. But there was a darker side to it, one that we became more and more aware of the older she got. And, as you will hear, she still carries some of the marks and baggage from that experience. But ranting is part of the healing process, so this week we get to begin the path to healing from the experience that was Aubrey's time as a dancer.
This month Aubrey and I decided to just have fun with it. We dive into some of our recent media enjoyment, and talk about games, music, movies, TV and books that have been helping to get us through this crazy thing we call life.
We're back! Aubrey and Peter finally get their schedules to align to allow us to talk again. The plan is to make this a regular thing again, so we are sorry and appreciate everyone's patience. We discuss work and virtue signaling in medicine this week, and, as is often the case, Peter bags on hospital administration in the way he so often does.
Welcome to Generations: A Middle Distance podcast. Yep, that's the new name for The Middle of Medicine. We felt that, being a father/daughter duo, Generations was more accurate in conveying what we will be talking about going forward. This week, it was survival. More specifically, those little hobbies and pastimes that help us make it through the grime, muck, and suck that is real life.
The speed of light. It's one of those things that we just sort of take for granted. It's as fast as things get. But what if it wasn't? What if something could go faster than the speed of light? That would be a big deal. Like, world changing big deal. Well, maybe something can, and that something is information. Aubrey takes us through the Nobel Prize for physics this year and we talk about just how big of a deal it is.
This week is all about change. We discuss some upcoming changes to the podcast schedule, and more importantly changes to the direction and future of the pod. These changes reflect changes in the lives of some of us, and we discuss why those changes are happening.
It's been a couple of months and it's time for us to get back into the swing of things. This week Aubrey and I catch up on life, and then talk about some of the red flags we have seen. Whether it is something in someone's chart, or comments they have made to us, we talk about comments that make us just a little more cautious when it comes to health care.
Medicine can overwhelm. It isn't really something we can let go. It doesn't stop when you walk out of the hospital or the clinic. So this week we introduce Interludes. Going forward, we will have an interlude episode when we feel that we want to talk about something else. And this week, we wanted to talk about Dr. Strange In the Multiverse of Madness. Since it is our podcast, we decided to just go for it.
Medicine continues to make huge leaps forward. We can treat and cure things these days that would have been deadly not that many years ago. With that advancement comes expectations. And sometimes those expectations are difficult or impossible to meet. Aubrey and I discuss our experience dealing with those expectations and when we can't meet them.
Education is a lifelong pursuit. In medicine, there are some very particular ways in which we learn and are taught. The fiction of medicine in TV and movies often really makes a mess of medical education. We discuss our experiences teaching and being taught, including the art of not knowing an answer.
Middle of Medicine #11
We've been talking about burnout. We talked about how all the currently offered solutions are pretty bad, because they rely on the individual addressing it. And burnout is a systematic problem.
But that doesn't mean that self-care is worthless. Quite the opposite. It is essential, but to combat burnout, but also just in general. We all need to take care of ourselves. Aubrey and I talk about some of the methods we apply to try to take care of ourselves.
Two weeks ago, we discussed many of the causes of healthcare worker burnout. This week we discuss some of the solutions offered, and weigh in on their chances of success. I'll give you a hint, they have very little chance of succeeding.
We all experience burnout. But burnout in healthcare is something that is only getting worse and worse. Aubrey wrote a paper about it and we felt it was so important to discuss that we needed to talk about it. We planned on talking about the problems and solutions in a single episode. But it was far too long for that. Here is part #1, discussing the problems and causes of burnout in healthcare.
Tribes seem to be part of humanity. We seek them, we make them, we cling to them. But what happens when tribalism gets in the way of doing good? We discuss our experiences with tribalism in medicine.
This week we have a quick rundown of some of the more unusual and interesting things we have seen in medicine.
No episode last week because... life. So here is an update, and one is coming next week.
A brief discussion on burnout, and then we talk about how much we love seeing people get better.
The pandemic has been hard for everyone. We take a look at how it has impacted us, both personally and professionally.
Difficult conversations are a part of life, and medicine in particular. We discuss some of those conversations and our experience and strategies to deal with them.
Power struggles occur daily in medicine, as different members of the care team try their best to take care of people. We discuss some of the sources of those struggles and our thoughts on how to prevent them.
Introducing The Middle of Medicine, where a father and daughter at the edges of medicine discuss meeting in the middle.