Soma Says

The Superwomen Behind the Stethescope

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In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal welcomes Dr. Susan Landers—retired neonatologist, author, and speaker—for a powerful conversation about the emotional complexity of working motherhood and the long road to healing from burnout.
With over 30 years of experience in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Landers opens up about her memoir, So Many Babies, which chronicles the challenges of balancing a high-stakes medical career while raising three children. Together, Dr. Soma and Dr. Landers explore the unspoken toll of maternal guilt, work-related depression, and the difficulty of asking for help.
This episode offers valuable insights for midlife women who may be redefining their identities, careers, and personal priorities. Whether you're a working mom, a healthcare professional, or simply someone seeking to reclaim your energy—this conversation is a compassionate reminder that your story matters.
Topics Discussed:– Balancing motherhood with a demanding medical career– How burnout shows up (and how to name it)– Postpartum and work-related depression in high-achieving women– The role of support systems and community– Redefining success after retirement– Empowerment and self-discovery in midlife
Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer01:06 – Meet Dr. Susan Landers02:17 – Balancing Motherhood and Medicine03:14 – The Challenges of Being a Working Mother04:54 – Navigating Burnout and Mental Health08:42 – The Importance of Support Systems16:48 – Dealing with Working Mom Burnout23:00 – Identifying the Problem of Burnout23:35 – Navigating Life's Challenges24:58 – Support Systems for Single Mothers26:02 – Resources for Defeating Burnout28:03 – The Importance of NICU Stories32:24 – Balancing Career and Family35:37 – Reflections on Retirement43:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Guest Bio:Dr. Susan Landers is a neonatologist, author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in medicine—and just as many years navigating the challenges of working motherhood. In her memoir So Many Babies, she shares the emotional highs and lows of being both a doctor and a mother. Today, she empowers women to recognize burnout, reconnect with themselves, and write a more balanced second chapter.
📘 Learn more at www.susanlandersmd.com

The Untold Struggles of Doctors: Burnout, Healing and Redemption

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In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma welcomes Dr. Jill Wener, a former academic hospitalist turned nationally recognized leader in physician wellness, trauma-informed healing, and anti-racism education.
Dr. Wener shares her powerful personal journey—from battling burnout to embracing meditation and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Together, they explore the intersection of wellness, systemic challenges in medicine, and the urgent need to address racial inequities in healthcare.
If you're a healthcare professional seeking balance, or simply curious about the healing power of tapping and conscious anti-racism, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Timeline
00:00 — Introduction and Disclaimer
01:26 — Meet Dr. Jill Wener: From Burnout to Wellness Advocate
02:27 — Journey to Meditation and Career Transformation
04:22 — Current Work: EFT, Anti-Racism, and DEI Consulting
05:31 — Challenges in Modern Medicine
19:29 — Understanding and Practicing EFT
36:23 — Social Justice and Anti-Racism in Healthcare
40:23 — Conclusion and Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Jill Wener:Website: jillwener.comInstagram: @jillwenermd

The Estrogen Edge: How Women are Changing the Fitness Game

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with Dr. Jessie Duppler, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Chain Reaction Physical Therapy. Dr. Duppler shares her inspiring journey from working as a surgical technologist to becoming a leader in functional physical therapy.
Together, they explore how women can build strength safely, manage osteoporosis, and stay active through all stages of life. They dive into the physical and emotional impact of menopause, the importance of addressing pain at its source, and why sleep, nutrition, and stress play critical roles in recovery. Dr. Duppler also opens up about her unique approach to personalized care, her work with endurance athletes and retirees, and how technology like AI is shaping the future of physical therapy.
🕒 Episode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer01:13 – Meet Dr. Jessie Duppler02:12 – Journey to Physical Therapy03:27 – Challenges Women Face in Fitness06:22 – Addressing Osteoporosis15:29 – Menopause and Muscle Mass18:39 – Holistic Approach to Pain Management20:30 – Physical Therapy for Retirees23:10 – Understanding Muscle Tightness and Compensatory Patterns23:56 – Referral Sources and Insurance Practices24:55 – Success Stories: Endurance Athletes and Osteoporosis Patients26:59 – The Role of Technology and AI in Physical Therapy29:55 – The Future of Strength Training for Women33:24 – Addressing Female-Specific Health Concerns37:59 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Therapy40:10 – Where to Find More Information
 
 
💬 Connect with Jess:Website: https://www.chainreactionpt.com/about-dr-jessie-dupplerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chainreactionpt/#
 
🎧 Subscribe to Soma Says for more conversations blending Western tools and Eastern wisdom in women’s health, emotional wellness, and whole-person healing.

Caring Through Crisis: A Deeper Look at Palliative and Hospice Care

In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma sits down with Anne Front, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker, to explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of palliative and hospice care. Anne shares her personal experience as both a cancer survivor and a caregiver, offering profound insights into end-of-life care, the value of early palliative support, and the importance of preserving dignity and humanity in healthcare.
Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or a caregiver, this episode will deepen your understanding of what it means to care — truly and fully — through some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer
 
00:41 – The Importance of Humanity in Medicine
 
01:25 – Guest Introduction: Anne Front
 
02:02 – Understanding Palliative Care
 
02:38 – Anne's Journey into Palliative Care
 
04:06 – Challenges in End-of-Life Decisions
 
08:01 – Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care
 
10:04 – Anne's Personal Experience with Cancer
 
13:08 – The Role of Palliative Care Teams
 
19:36 – Understanding Hospice Care
 
22:54 – Discussing Quality of Life
 
25:32 – Evaluating Treatment Options
 
26:46 – Understanding Quality of Life
 
27:24 – Medical Perspectives and Patient Trust
 
29:25 – Cultural Differences in End-of-Life Care
 
30:13 – Advanced Healthcare Planning
 
31:01 – Challenges in Palliative Care Communication
 
33:17 – Doctors' Emotional Struggles
 
36:07 – The Importance of Humanity in Healthcare
 
43:47 – Professional Care for Healthcare Providers
 
44:20 – Final Thoughts and Resources
💬 Connect with Anne Front:Website: annefront.comTikTok: @thepalliativetherapist
🎧 Subscribe to Soma Says for more conversations blending Western tools and Eastern wisdom in women’s health, emotional wellness, and whole-person healing.

The Diet-Mental Health Connection: Why Food Affects Your Mood

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Episode Description:In this episode, Dr. Soma answers a powerful question from her YouTube community: Can what we eat really affect how we feel? The answer is a resounding yes—and she’s here to explain why.
Dr. Soma dives into compelling statistics on mental health in the U.S. and shares emerging research that links dietary patterns with depression. She breaks down the core components of the Mediterranean diet—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil—and explains why it's considered one of the most beneficial for mental wellbeing.
You'll also hear about the nutrients essential for brain health, the fascinating gut-brain connection, and a real-life case study of a patient whose mental health significantly improved with nutritional changes.
This episode is a reminder that mental health care works best when it’s holistic—combining food, therapy, and medication when needed. Dr. Soma invites you to reflect on your own relationship with food and mood, and to share your journey.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:08 The Impact of Diet on Mental Health
01:01 Research Findings on Diet and Depression
01:42 Key Foods for Mental Health
02:43 The Mediterranean Diet and Its Benefits
05:03 Patient Story: Sarah's Transformation
08:14 Recap and Key Takeaways
10:11 Engagement and Closing Remarks
💌 Have a question for Dr. Soma? Email us at info@somamandalmd.com🎧 Don’t forget to follow Soma Says and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

The Great Weight Myth: Why BMI is Broken and What Real Health Looks Like

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In this episode, Dr. Soma hosts Paula Atkinson, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, who specializes in body liberation and anti-diet approaches. Paula discusses the harmful societal views on body size, the history of fat phobia, and the flawed nature of BMI as a health metric. She shares insights on disordered eating and emphasizes the importance of focusing on actual health markers rather than weight. Paula also highlights the need for medical professionals to approach weight discussions with sensitivity and to consider a more holistic view of health.
Tune in to learn more about the intersection of body image, societal expectations, and mental health.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Body Image Issues00:23 – Meet Paula Atkinson: Body Liberation Expert03:17 – Paula's Personal Journey with Body Image09:27 – The Problem with BMI14:44 – Challenging Diet Culture and Body Norms17:57 – Practical Tips for Body Acceptance22:37 – Addressing Medical Fat Shaming29:30 – Empowering Women Through Body Liberation35:01 – Conclusion and Where to Find More
 
🔗 Connect with Paula D. Atkinson Website: https://www.pauladatkinson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauladatkinson/
🔔 Follow & Subscribe:🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review—it helps others find the show!
📩 Have a Question for Dr. Soma?Send your questions to info@somamandalmd.com, and they might be featured in a future episode!

Stoic Empathy: Rewriting the Rules of Success for Women

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📌 Episode Summary:In this episode of Soma Says, we sit down with Shermin Kruse, an award-winning writer, attorney, and speaker. From her early life in Tehran to becoming a leading voice in leadership, storytelling, and global change, Shermin shares insights on resilience, negotiation, and the power of empathy.
💡 Key Takeaways:✔️ The intersection of philosophy, law, and neuropsychology✔️ How storytelling shapes leadership and negotiation✔️ Finding strength in adversity and balancing stoic empathy
⏳ Episode Timeline:
[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction to Shermin Kruse[03:15] – Shermin’s journey: From Tehran to global thought leader[10:40] – The power of storytelling in leadership & negotiations[18:20] – The concept of stoic empathy & its real-world impact[25:45] – Practical strategies for resilience in challenging times[33:30] – Rapid-fire questions & closing thoughts
🔗 Connect with Shermin Kruse:Website: SherminKruse.comInstagram: @sher_kruse
🔔 Follow & Subscribe:🎧 Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Soma Says on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review—it helps others find the show!
📩 Have a Question for Dr. Soma?Send your questions to info@somamandalmd.com, and they might be featured in a future episode!

The Supplement Storm & Medical Myths: What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You!”

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Pooja Mahtani, an expert in functional medicine, nutrition, and wellness. Dr. Mahtani shares her journey from pharmacy to becoming a Medical Science Liaison at BodyBio, emphasizing her mission to address health at the cellular level.
The conversation delves into:
The significance of supplements and how to navigate the industry
Addressing root causes of health issues
Practical lifestyle changes for women’s health
The truth about Omega-6 fatty acids and clean sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6
The role of phospholipids in cellular function
This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone eager to learn about functional medicine and how small, consistent changes can lead to better health outcomes.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Pooja Mahtani00:49 – Disclaimer and Personal Health Journey02:14 – Transition to Functional Medicine06:01 – Navigating the Supplement Industry07:55 – Lifestyle Recommendations for Women's Health12:56 – Essential Supplements for Women17:12 – The Importance of Omega Fatty Acids20:57 – Phospholipids and Cellular Health34:19 – Ensuring Supplement Quality41:00 – Understanding Functional Medicine48:52 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Resources & Connect with Dr. Pooja Mahtani:
🔗 BodyBio: https://bodybio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopN-InwfsIAacve2DM_v6dWLOA-TwmhtqJ_Ql5t0w3jC25FCuxC📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poojamahtaniwellness/📩 Contact Dr. Mahtani: https://bodybio.com/pages/author/pooja-mahtani?srsltid=AfmBOopR9kl5x4i5EOym2TWoEUxZ5XhLSLFEJVAFUDxsIpDnqAcas5fa
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The Thyroid Conspiracy: How Mainstream Medicine is Failing You

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode, Dr. Dana Gibbs shares her journey from a board-certified ENT surgeon to a thyroid and hormone expert, driven by her personal battle with undiagnosed hormonal imbalances. She discusses her approach to treating chronic fatigue, brain fog, and weight struggles—conditions often overlooked by mainstream medicine.
Dr. Gibbs emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's hormones and the importance of a comprehensive history, including trauma, diet, and lifestyle factors, in managing thyroid health. She reveals insights on the importance of T3/rT3 ratios and the nuances of treating thyroid conditions with natural versus synthetic hormones.
Dr. Gibbs also shares her experiences teaching integrative endocrinology alongside Dr. Allen and the holistic measures she advises for her patients. The episode highlights the evolving understanding of thyroid health and the gaps in conventional medical education and practice.
🔍 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Dana Gibbs🔹 Meet Dr. Gibbs and learn about her expertise in thyroid and hormone health.
01:43 - Dr. Gibbs' Personal Journey with Thyroid Issues🔹 Her own struggles with undiagnosed thyroid imbalances and how they shaped her career.
03:39 - Transition from Surgery to Holistic Thyroid Treatment🔹 Why she shifted from ENT surgery to a deeper focus on metabolism and hormones.
06:23 - Discovering the Link Between Thyroid and Autoimmune Diseases🔹 The surprising connections between thyroid dysfunction and immune disorders.
10:38 - The Role of Hormones in Thyroid Health🔹 Why balancing hormones is key to addressing thyroid-related symptoms.
15:17 - Challenges in Mainstream Thyroid Treatment🔹 The common gaps and misconceptions in conventional thyroid care.
19:31 - The Influence of Pharma on Thyroid Treatment🔹 How pharmaceutical interests impact diagnosis and treatment options.
24:28 - Understanding the Body's Stress Mechanism🔹 The role of stress, cortisol, and adrenal function in thyroid health.
25:44 - Thyroid Hormone Activation and Ratios🔹 The significance of T3/rT3 ratios and how they affect energy levels.
28:18 - Challenges in Thyroid Testing🔹 Why standard thyroid tests often miss critical imbalances.
29:52 - The New Endocrinology Course🔹 Dr. Gibbs' work in educating doctors about integrative thyroid care.
34:07 - Comprehensive Approach to Thyroid Health🔹 The importance of looking at diet, sleep, and lifestyle alongside medical treatment.
38:15 - Hormonal Interactions and Menopause🔹 How menopause and perimenopause impact thyroid function.
42:33 - Overlap of Thyroid and Menopause Symptoms🔹 The misdiagnosis of menopause-related symptoms as thyroid issues (and vice versa).
44:41 - Resources and Final Thoughts🔹 Where to find Dr. Gibbs and how to take control of your thyroid health.
🔥 Resources & Links:🔗 Consultants in Metabolism🔗 Allergy Access MD
📢 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear this!

Music, Medicine and Dr. Malini Sur: The Heartbeat of a Surgeon’s World

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos
In this episode of Soma Says, we delve into the world of surgical oncology with Dr. Malini Sur, an expert in tumors of the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system. Dr. Sur shares her inspiring journey—from experiencing a benign tumor as a young teenager to becoming a leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
We explore the complexities and ethical considerations of treating advanced cancer patients, the importance of patient advocacy, and how communication shapes clinical care. Dr. Sur also opens up about her background in music and dance, highlighting the significance of creative outlets in maintaining balance as a physician.
Tune in for a compelling and informative discussion on bridging medical expertise with compassionate care.
🔹 Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction to Soma Says00:08 – Meet Dr. Malini Sur02:54 – Dr. Sur’s Journey into Surgical Oncology05:44 – Challenges and Rewards in Surgical Oncology07:21 – Current Practice and Patient Care10:16 – Screening and Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer13:49 – Advocacy and Genetic Testing22:40 – Women’s Health and Medical Bias33:55 – Ethics and Palliative Care in Surgery41:44 – Balancing Medicine and Personal Passions47:49 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🔗 Connect with Us:📩 Have questions or thoughts? Reach out at info@somamandalmd.com🌿 Follow Soma Says for more episodes blending Western medicine with Eastern wisdom!