Read. Talk. Grow.

Nov 08 2023 4

Read. Talk. Grow. Podcast artwork

A podcast where we talk about books — especially fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction — that deal with important health topics. In each episode, host Dr. Denise Millstine invites an author and a medical expert into conversation on subjects like miscarriage, cancer, relationships, mental health and more. In the same way that books can transport us to a different time, place, or culture, Read.Talk.Grow. demonstrates that books can also give a new appreciation for health experiences.

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Embracing a personal, purpose-focused approach to wellness

Nov 08 2023 33 mins

Dr. Gladys McGarey is an expert in the benefits of holistic medicine — both because she was a pioneer of the holistic movement, and because she’s over 100 years old. Tune in as she and Mayo Clinic integrative medicine expert Dr. Larry Bergstrom share their wisdom and explain how their approach to medicine and wellness differs from conventional Western practices.

The challenges and costs of chronic illness in the U.S.

Nov 01 2023 48 mins

Navigating chronic illness is a challenge. Doing so without healthcare coverage heaps on more stress. Watching your parents go through this kind of challenge — Well, memoirist Nicole Chung wrote a whole book about the complexity involved. Mayo Clinic's Dr. Brenda Ernst joins Nicole to talk about the challenges and identity shifts that occur between parents and children when paren

The power of plants — Above and below the belt

Oct 25 2023 38 mins

You probably know that a plant-based diet is a healthy, environmentally-friendly and often economical way to eat. But the benefits don't end there. Authors Jane and Ann Crile Esselstyn guide us through their book "Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious." Along with Mayo Clinic's Dr. Dawn Mussallem, the three walk us through the research and their pers

Making mom friends when you don't fit in

Oct 18 2023 34 mins

Most parents recognize the importance of finding fellow parents who can relate when it comes to teething, toddlers, tantrums and beyond. But for author Helena Andrews-Dyer, being one of the only Black moms in the local parenting group meant she saw the world — and parenting — through different eyes. She and Dr. Angela Mattke examine the dynamics of race and class in parenting a

The pain of being passed over professionally

Oct 11 2023 40 mins

We're discussing a piece of mid-20th century historical fiction — about a woman who makes great contributions to medicine without getting the credit — that unfortunately feels like modern nonfiction. Lynn Cullen, author of "The Woman with the Cure," and Dr. Shikha Jain walk us through the historical and present-day challenges women face in the workplace.

Beating burnout with self-acceptance

Oct 04 2023 43 mins

If you find yourself constantly stressed out and on the edge of burnout, it's time to take a breath. Author Amelia Nagoski and Dr. Cynthia Stonnington talk about the reasons why women and gender diverse people are prone to burnout — and what you can do to break out of stress-inducing patterns.

The weighty decisions around dementia and accompanied death

Sep 27 2023 40 mins

After Amy Bloom's husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he decided he wanted to die on his own terms, which Amy depicted in her memoir "In Love." She's joined by moral and legal philosopher Dr. Joan McGregor to talk through the difficulties — emotional, legal and practical — of making autonomous decisions about end-of-life care.

Getting real about breast cancer

Sep 20 2023 42 mins

When Liza Marshall was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had the seemingly perfect partner: Her husband, John Marshall, is a doctor and expert in gastrointestinal cancer. But even with his medical knowledge and connections, her cancer journey was a scary, stressful and sometimes frantic experience. In their co-memoir “Off Our Chests,” they offer readers a real, inside look into

The mystery, mayhem and joys of middle age and beyond

Sep 13 2023 47 mins

Aging can be tough physically, emotionally and mentally. Luckily, author Laurie Notaro is here to help us find the lighter side of middle age and beyond as she discusses her book "Excuse Me While I Disappear." Laurie paints vivid (and hilarious) pictures of all sorts of middle-aged health and social issues, and geriatrician Dr. Erum Jadoon chimes in with her medical insight on what

How to survive — or even thrive — as a medical professional

Sep 06 2023 49 mins

Medical school, residency and working in medicine can be tough — or even traumatic. The exhaustion and burnout can be worse for those from underrepresented groups in medicine (like women and people of color) or working in certain specialties (like cancer care). Dr. Anthony Chin-Quee's memoir "I Can't Save You" explores these themes. In this episode, he and Mayo Clinic's Dr. Alyx