I AM HUMAN

Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, DO, MPH, MS, FAAP

You are here for a reason. But navigating this human life can be challenging. How do you care for your body, mind and spirit to make the most of your time here on earth? This podcast explores these questions through rich conversations on plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality. We help bring to light valuable insights to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. I AM HUMAN is hosted by Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, a board-certified pediatrician, board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, and national board-certified health and wellness coach. Dr. Yami is a curious human interested in living a long, healthy, and joyful life. New episodes drop every Sunday.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    350: You’re Sabotaging Your Own Success (Here’s Why)

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and expand my capacity for success. Recently, I experienced something that felt confusing and frustrating: things were finally going well — and almost immediately, I started to feel anxious, doubtful, and overwhelmed. Beneath that reaction were powerful thoughts: I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve this. Something bad is going to happen. This won’t last. We explore why success can actually feel unsafe, how our subconscious limits how much joy, abundance, and achievement we allow ourselves to experience, and how we unknowingly sabotage ourselves when we exceed that internal threshold. This episode breaks down the concept of the “upper limit problem” — the invisible ceiling that keeps you stuck at a level that feels familiar, even if it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve ever pulled back when things were going well, doubted yourself after a win, or felt fear instead of excitement when success started to show up, this conversation will help you understand why. You are not broken. You may simply be hitting your current capacity. DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ What the “upper limit problem” is and how it affects your success ✔ Why success can trigger anxiety, fear, and self-doubt ✔ The hidden beliefs that limit how much you allow yourself to receive ✔ How self-sabotage shows up in your thoughts and behaviors ✔ Why your brain resists unfamiliar levels of success and joy ✔ How to expand your capacity for success and abundance ✔ Practical ways to challenge limiting beliefs in real time ✔ Why it’s okay to want more — and to receive it Key Topics Coveredupper limit problem fear of success self-sabotage limiting beliefs imposter syndrome self-worth and deservingness success anxiety personal growth mindset shifts abundance and capacity emotional resilience zone of genius Reflection QuestionsWhat happens after something goes well in your life? Do you allow yourself to feel success — or do you brace for something to go wrong? What belief might be limiting how much you allow yourself to receive? What would change if you believed you were fully worthy of success? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone who feels stuck in their life 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    38 min
  2. 30 MAR

    349: Your Joy Is Not Selfish

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reconnect with joy. For a long time, I believed that the more I sacrificed myself, the better of a person I was. That choosing myself — my desires, my happiness, my joy — would somehow make me selfish. Beneath that belief were powerful thoughts: I should put others first. Good people sacrifice. My needs don’t matter as much. If I choose myself, I’ll hurt others. We explore how cultural, religious, and societal conditioning shapes this belief, why so many caregivers and high-achieving women struggle with guilt around choosing themselves, and how self-sacrifice can actually lead to burnout, resentment, and emotional disconnection. This episode reframes one of the most common and limiting beliefs: that joy is selfish — and instead reveals how your joy may be one of the most powerful ways you contribute to others. If you’ve been over-giving, feeling resentful, disconnected from yourself, or questioning whether it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness, this conversation will help you see that choosing yourself is not selfish — it’s necessary. Your joy doesn’t take away from others. It expands what you’re able to give. DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ Why many people associate self-sacrifice with worth ✔ How religious and cultural conditioning shape beliefs about selfishness ✔ The hidden cost of over-giving and abandoning yourself ✔ Why self-sacrifice can lead to burnout, resentment, and disconnection ✔ How joy actually increases your capacity to love and give ✔ The connection between self-love and collective impact ✔ How to recognize where you’re over-giving in your life ✔ Simple ways to reconnect with what brings you joy Key Topics Coveredself-sacrifice vs self-love joy and emotional alignment burnout and resentment religious and cultural conditioning people pleasing caregiver identity emotional resilience authenticity and self-acceptance energy and emotional presence alignment vs obligation Reflection QuestionsWhere are you over-giving in your life? Where are you abandoning yourself in the name of being “good”? What would bring you even 10% more joy right now? What if your joy is not selfish — but necessary? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone who feels stuck in their life 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    26 min
  3. 23 MAR

    348: Is It Okay to Change Your Mind?

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reclaim my freedom. For most of my life, I believed that once you chose a path, you were supposed to stick with it forever. Choose your career. Commit. Stay the course. But what happens when the person who made that decision is no longer who you are today? Beneath the fear of change were powerful thoughts: I’m being irresponsible. I’m wasting time. I should stick with it. People will think I’m a quitter. We explore why changing your mind feels so difficult — from identity attachment and the sunk cost fallacy to fear of judgment and cultural expectations that reward consistency over evolution. This episode breaks down the truth behind those fears and reframes changing your mind as something radically different: growth, self-awareness, and alignment. If you’re feeling stuck in a path that no longer feels like yours, questioning your career or identity, or struggling with guilt around wanting something different, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and compassion. Nothing you’ve done is wasted. You are allowed to evolve. DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ Why changing your mind can feel like failure ✔ The role of identity attachment in keeping you stuck ✔ What the sunk cost fallacy is and how it affects your decisions ✔ Why fear of judgment holds so many people back ✔ How cultural expectations reinforce staying the same ✔ Why nothing you’ve done is ever wasted ✔ How curiosity and exploration lead to growth and wisdom ✔ Practical ways to start evolving without blowing up your life Key Topics CoveredChanging Your Mind Identity and Self-Concept Sunk Cost Fallacy Fear Of Judgment Career Change and Life Transitions Personal Growth and Evolution Self-Acceptance Curiosity and Exploration Emotional Resilience Alignment vs Obligation Reflection QuestionsWho are you today — and is your life aligned with that version of you? Are you staying committed out of alignment or out of fear? What feels more true: staying the same, or allowing yourself to evolve? If nothing was “wasted,” what would you choose next? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone who feels stuck in their life 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min
  4. 16 MAR

    347: Fear Doesn’t Sound Like Fear (And That’s the Problem)

    For a long time, I thought fear would show up loudly — racing heart, panic, obvious anxiety. But what I discovered is that fear is often much more subtle. It disguises itself as logic, responsibility, and maturity. It sounds like: “I just need more time.” “It’s not the right moment.” “I should be grateful for what I have.” “I need to be more prepared.” These thoughts feel wise and responsible, but many times they are simply fear quietly running the meeting in your mind. We explore how fear disguises itself when you’re considering a big change in your life, why it keeps you stuck in familiar situations, and how to recognize when fear — not wisdom — is making your decisions. In this episode, I walk through 22 common thoughts that are actually fear in disguise and share practical exercises that help you uncover the real voice behind those thoughts. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, relationships, or personal growth, this conversation will help you recognize when fear is shrinking your life — and how to take back the driver's seat. Fear is normal. But it should never be the decision maker. DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ Why fear rarely announces itself clearly ✔ How fear disguises itself as responsibility and logic ✔ 22 thoughts that might actually be fear in disguise ✔ The difference between fear and wisdom ✔ How fear keeps people stuck in unaligned lives ✔ Why perfectionism and “being prepared” can hide fear ✔ How religious conditioning and people-pleasing reinforce fear ✔ Practical exercises to recognize fear in real time Key Topics CoveredFear disguised as responsibility Limiting beliefs and mindset patterns Burnout and identity change Perfectionism and procrastination Fear of judgment and failure People pleasing and approval seeking Personal growth and self-trust Emotional resilience Decision-making under uncertainty Choosing courage over comfort Reflection QuestionsAre your thoughts expanding your life — or shrinking it? What fear might be hiding behind the thought that “it’s not the right time”? If you stayed exactly where you are for the next 10 years, how would you feel? What decision might you make if fear wasn’t driving? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone who feels stuck in their life 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min
  5. 9 MAR

    346: You’re Not Trapped — You’re Just Afraid

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reclaim my freedom. For a long time, I believed I was trapped — trapped in my career, trapped in responsibilities, trapped in a life that no longer felt aligned. But what I eventually realized was both humbling and liberating: I wasn’t trapped. I was afraid to choose. Beneath the surface of feeling stuck were powerful fears — fear of judgment, fear of financial insecurity, fear of failure, and fear of disrupting the identity I had built over decades. We explore how the illusion of being trapped develops, why our brains exaggerate worst-case scenarios, and how imagined futures can keep us paralyzed in lives that no longer fit us. This episode breaks down the mindset shifts that helped me reclaim my power — including the powerful FEAR framework: False Experiences Appearing Real — and how to objectively evaluate your fears instead of letting them control your life. If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, relationships, or personal growth, this conversation will help you see that the door may not actually be locked. You are not powerless. You may simply be standing at the edge of your next evolution. DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ Why the feeling of being “trapped” is often an illusion ✔ The psychological pattern that keeps people stuck in unhappy situations ✔ The FEAR framework: False Experiences Appearing Real ✔ How our minds exaggerate worst-case scenarios around judgment and failure ✔ The real cost of avoiding decisions and staying stuck ✔ How to objectively evaluate your fears instead of believing them ✔ Why imagining your best-case scenario is just as important as confronting your worst-case fears ✔ How discomfort can actually signal growth and identity expansion Key Topics CoveredFear and decision-making The illusion of being stuck Limiting beliefs and mindset patterns Burnout and identity expansion Personal freedom and responsibility Overcoming fear of judgment and failure Career change and life transitions Emotional resilience Trusting your intuition Choosing courage over comfort Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life do you feel trapped right now? What decision are you avoiding because of fear? Are your worst-case scenarios realistic — or exaggerated? What could your life look like if you allowed yourself to imagine the best-case scenario? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone navigating burnout or career change 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    20 min
  6. 2 MAR

    345: The Permission You’ve Been Waiting For

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reclaim my purpose. After 17 years in medicine and more than a decade building a successful pediatric practice, I found myself in emotional turmoil, questioning everything — not because I didn’t know what I wanted, but because I was waiting for permission to want it. I wanted permission to dedicate more time to the podcast. Permission to hire support. Permission to not do pediatrics forever. Permission to evolve. Beneath the surface were relentless thoughts: This is irresponsible. I’m too much. I need approval. What will people think? Who am I to want something different? We explore how the need for external validation quietly shapes our biggest decisions, why high achievers often struggle with self-acceptance, and how fear disguises itself as responsibility, logic, and morality. This episode breaks down the deeper pattern behind burnout and identity crisis — the belief that someone else must approve your evolution before you’re allowed to change. If you’re navigating emotional exhaustion, considering a career pivot, struggling with confidence, or feeling stuck between who you are and who you’re becoming, this conversation offers both validation and clarity. Confidence does not come from certainty. It comes from taking the step — even while shaking. Nobody else can grant you permission to become you. Trigger WarningThis episode includes a discussion of depression. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.). DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ Why waiting for permission keeps you stuck ✔ How external validation quietly controls your decisions ✔ The connection between burnout and approval-seeking ✔ Why confidence is built through action, not certainty ✔ The emotional cost of suppressing your authentic desires ✔ How to move from fear-based decision-making to alignment ✔ Why it’s okay to want what you want ✔ How self-permission creates emotional freedom Key Topics CoveredSelf-permission External validation and approval-seeking Personal growth and authenticity Fear and decision-making Confidence building Emotional health Career evolution Identity transition Self-acceptance Choosing alignment over approval Reflection QuestionsWhere are you waiting for permission? Who are you hoping will approve your evolution? What would you choose if no one else’s opinion mattered? Are you delaying your joy because you’re afraid of disappointing others? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone navigating burnout or career change 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    20 min
  7. 23 FEB

    344: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: Burnout, Identity Crisis & Career Change at 46

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reclaim my purpose. After 17 years in medicine and more than a decade building a successful pediatric practice, I found myself in emotional turmoil, questioning everything. Beneath the surface of success were relentless thoughts: I’m selfish. I’m greedy. I’m abandoning my calling. God will be disappointed. It’s too late. Maybe I’m just overreacting. We explore how limiting beliefs develop, why high achievers and women physicians are especially vulnerable to burnout, and how religious conditioning, people-pleasing, and fear of disappointing others can quietly keep us stuck. This episode breaks down the eight core thought patterns that kept me trapped — and how I learned to transform them into empowering beliefs rooted in alignment, courage, and self-trust. If you’re navigating emotional exhaustion, considering a career change in your 40s, struggling with self-doubt, or feeling disconnected from your authentic self, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools. You are not broken. You may just be believing thoughts that no longer serve you. Trigger WarningThis episode includes discussion of severe depression and a period of significant mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.). DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ How to recognize burnout symptoms before they consume you ✔ The thought patterns that keep high achievers stuck ✔ Why career pivots can trigger identity crises ✔ The hidden cost of religious guilt and people-pleasing ✔ The difference between depression and intuition ✔ How to transform limiting beliefs into empowering ones ✔ Why prioritizing joy is not selfish ✔ Why it’s never too late to reinvent yourself Key Topics CoveredBurnout recovery Limiting beliefs and mindset work Career change in midlife Women physician burnout Self-doubt and identity crisis Religious conditioning and guilt Personal growth and empowerment Emotional resilience Trusting your intuition Choosing alignment over approval Reflection QuestionsWhere are you choosing approval over alignment? What belief are you treating as absolute truth that may just be fear? Are you staying safe — or staying stuck? What would change if you trusted your intuition fully? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone navigating burnout or career change 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min
  8. 343: The Season That Broke Me...

    16 FEB

    343: The Season That Broke Me...

    In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey through burnout recovery, depression, and identity loss — and the powerful mindset transformation that helped me rebuild my confidence and reclaim my purpose. We explore how self-doubt develops, why high achievers struggle with burnout, and what it truly takes to create a life aligned with your deepest values. If you’re navigating emotional exhaustion, questioning your career path, or feeling disconnected from your authentic self, this episode offers both validation and actionable tools. Trigger WarningThis episode includes discussion of severe depression and a period of significant mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services or reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.). DisclaimerThe information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔ How to recognize burnout symptoms before they consume you ✔ The hidden cost of suppressing your true desires ✔ The difference between living in a “Tiger Cage” vs. “Unicorn and Rainbow Land” ✔ Practical tools for overcoming depression and rebuilding self-trust ✔ The importance of creating non-negotiables for mental health Key Topics CoveredMental health and emotional resilienceOvercoming depressionSelf-doubt and inner critic workPersonal growth strategiesWomen in medicine and purpose-driven careersAuthenticity and self-permissionMindset shifts for fulfillmentReflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you living inside a “Tiger Cage”?What desire have you been afraid to honor?What would change if you gave yourself full permission to pursue what lights you up?Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone navigating burnout 🔔 Follow the podcast for more conversations on mindset, mental health, and authentic living Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    36 min

About

You are here for a reason. But navigating this human life can be challenging. How do you care for your body, mind and spirit to make the most of your time here on earth? This podcast explores these questions through rich conversations on plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality. We help bring to light valuable insights to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. I AM HUMAN is hosted by Dr. Yami Cazorla-Lancaster, a board-certified pediatrician, board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, and national board-certified health and wellness coach. Dr. Yami is a curious human interested in living a long, healthy, and joyful life. New episodes drop every Sunday.

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