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. 360: What If You Get Everything You Want... and Lose It?

    3d ago

    360: What If You Get Everything You Want... and Lose It?

    In this deeply personal episode, I explore a fear that quietly steals joy from so many of us: What if I finally get the thing I want… and then lose it? After leaving the gym feeling strong, grateful, and excited about the future, I noticed something unexpected. A feeling of fear. Not fear of failure. Not fear of success. Fear of loss. As I imagined the career, opportunities, relationships, and dreams I want to create, my mind immediately jumped to a different question: What if it doesn't last? What if I get there and lose it? What if I love it and it ends? That question led me into a deeper exploration of impermanence, joy, self-trust, and what it means to fully receive life's gifts while knowing they may not last forever. In this episode, we explore why fear of loss often keeps us from enjoying the present moment, how "foreboding joy" steals our happiness, and why learning to receive abundance may be one of the most courageous things we ever do. If you've ever hesitated to dream bigger, love more deeply, or fully enjoy what you have because you're afraid it could disappear someday, this conversation is for you. Because maybe the goal isn't to avoid loss. Maybe the goal is to fully live. 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 of loss often hides beneath fear of success ✔ The concept of foreboding joy ✔ How impermanence can make life more meaningful ✔ Why self-trust matters more than certainty ✔ The difference between preparing and avoiding ✔ How fear quietly steals present joy ✔ Why success is about who you become ✔ How to pursue dreams without clinging to outcomes ✔ The courage required to receive Key Topics Coveredimpermanence, fear of loss, foreboding joy, self-trust, emotional resilience, courage, gratitude, vulnerability, joy, receiving abundance, success mindset, personal growth, fulfillment, fear of success, fear of failure, life transitions, emotional health, mindfulness, living in the present, self-development, trust, becoming, purpose, authentic living Reflection QuestionsWhat dream are you afraid to pursue because you're afraid of losing it? Where are you allowing fear of future pain to steal present joy? What would change if you trusted yourself to handle loss if it came? Are you avoiding the climb—or preparing for it? What would become possible if you let yourself fully receive what you desire? 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

    35 min
  2. 359: The Most Anticlimactic Exit Ever

    Jun 15

    359: The Most Anticlimactic Exit Ever

    In this deeply personal episode, I share the surprising reality of retiring from pediatrics after 20 years in medicine and 10 years as a practice owner. For years, I believed leaving would devastate my patients, disappoint families, and shake the foundation of everything I had built. I convinced myself that walking away from pediatrics meant abandoning people I deeply cared about. But when the moment finally arrived? Almost nothing happened. The transition was calm. Families adapted. The practice has continued thriving. And I discovered that much of the suffering I experienced came not from reality—but from the stories fear had created in my mind. In this episode, I explore identity, purpose, people-pleasing, career transitions, and the difficult process of letting go of roles we've outgrown. I share how I moved from guilt and depression to peace, confidence, and alignment—and why choosing yourself is not the same thing as abandoning others. If you're standing at a crossroads, contemplating a major life change, or struggling to leave behind a version of yourself that no longer fits, this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear. Sometimes the thing we're most afraid of turns out to be surprisingly ordinary. And sometimes freedom begins when we stop believing fear's story. This episode is a reminder that life goes on, people adapt, and your desires deserve to be honored. 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 often exaggerates the consequences of change ✔ How identity can keep us trapped in roles we've outgrown ✔ The difference between responsibility and self-abandonment ✔ Why people-pleasing creates unnecessary suffering ✔ How to navigate major career transitions with confidence ✔ Why disappointing someone is not the same as harming them ✔ The hidden cost of believing you're irreplaceable ✔ How to recognize when it's time for your next chapter ✔ Why choosing yourself is an act of self-respect, not selfishness ✔ How alignment creates peace after difficult decisions Key Topics Coveredcareer transitions, retirement, identity shifts, people pleasing, fear of change, personal growth, self-trust, alignment, purpose, physician burnout, career reinvention, emotional resilience, self-worth, courage, life transitions, letting go, authenticity, fear versus reality, leadership, choosing yourself Reflection QuestionsWhat role in your life have you outgrown? Where are you allowing fear to predict a future that hasn't happened? Are you staying because you want to—or because you're afraid to leave? What would change if you stopped believing you were responsible for everyone else's emotions? What would your next chapter look like if you trusted yourself completely? 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

    34 min
  3. 358: What Are You Really Hungry For?

    Jun 8

    358: What Are You Really Hungry For?

    In this deeply personal episode, I explore a question that completely changed how I think about desire, fulfillment, and emotional eating: What are you really hungry for? Recently, I found myself describing my dreams in a way I never had before. I said: "I am hungry." Not interested. Not hopeful. Hungry. That single word revealed something powerful about the difference between wanting something and being deeply called toward it. In this episode, I explore the relationship between ambition, emotional eating, purpose, creativity, and self-expression. I share how my own struggles with emotional eating helped me uncover a deeper truth: Maybe I wasn't hungry for food. Maybe I was hungry for expansion. For purpose. For becoming. We discuss how suppressed desires can show up as consumption, why emotional hunger often has little to do with food, and how redirecting your energy toward your dreams can transform your relationship with yourself. If you've ever felt stuck, numb, emotionally hungry, or unable to understand why certain desires won't leave you alone, this conversation may offer a completely new perspective. Because sometimes the question isn't: What do you want? It's: What are you hungry for? 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✔ The difference between wanting something and being hungry for it ✔ How desire becomes a powerful force for change ✔ Why emotional eating often has little to do with food ✔ The connection between purpose, fulfillment, and cravings ✔ How suppressed dreams create emotional tension ✔ Why faith changes the way we pursue goals ✔ The difference between healthy hunger and unhealthy attachment ✔ How to redirect your energy toward the life you truly want Key Topics Coveredpurpose, emotional eating, personal growth, hunger for more, desire and fulfillment, ambition, self-discovery, emotional health, life purpose, creativity, expansion, authenticity, mindset shifts, self-expression, emotional hunger, binge eating recovery, faith, motivation, dream life, becoming your future self Reflection QuestionsWhat are you truly hungry for right now? Where is your energy currently being directed? What desire keeps resurfacing in your life? Are you feeding your purpose—or numbing your discomfort? What would happen if you trusted your deepest desires? 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

    19 min
  4. 357: Can You Love Your Children But Still Choose Yourself?

    May 31

    357: Can You Love Your Children But Still Choose Yourself?

    In this deeply personal episode, I explore a question that many women, mothers, and caregivers silently wrestle with: Can you deeply love your children and still choose yourself? After spending a Sunday working on my dreams, I was unexpectedly hit with a wave of guilt. Am I a bad mother? Should I be home more? Should my children be the center of every decision I make? As I sat with those questions, I began reflecting on the beliefs many of us inherit about parenting, sacrifice, ambition, and self-worth. Somewhere along the way, many women learn that love means self-abandonment—that pursuing our own goals, dreams, and desires somehow makes us selfish. But what if that's not true? In this episode, I share my personal journey as a mother, entrepreneur, physician, and dreamer navigating the tension between family, ambition, individuality, and love. We explore why healthy parenting isn't about disappearing into service of others, but about modeling a meaningful, authentic life. If you've ever felt guilty for wanting more, pursuing your goals, building a career, traveling, creating, or simply having dreams that don't revolve around everyone else, this conversation is for you. Because maybe choosing yourself doesn't mean loving your family less. Maybe it means teaching them how to fully live. 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 mothers feel guilty for pursuing personal goals ✔ The difference between self-care and self-abandonment ✔ How cultural expectations shape parenting and identity ✔ Why children benefit from seeing adults pursue meaningful lives ✔ The tension between connection and independence ✔ How fear and guilt can keep us from becoming ourselves ✔ Why love and individuality can coexist ✔ How to stop viewing ambition as selfishness Key Topics Coveredmotherhood, parenting, maternal guilt, choosing yourself, self-worth, identity beyond motherhood, personal growth, women's empowerment, family relationships, emotional health, ambition, parenting teenagers, self-acceptance, authentic living, life purpose, independence, healthy relationships, emotional maturity Reflection QuestionsWhere have you been taught that love requires self-sacrifice? What dreams have you postponed because of guilt? Are you modeling fulfillment—or self-abandonment? What would change if you trusted that your children can thrive while you pursue your own growth? How can love and individuality coexist in your life? 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

    27 min
  5. 356: Is Wanting More Making You Miserable?

    May 26

    356: Is Wanting More Making You Miserable?

    In this deeply personal episode, I explore one of the biggest emotional tensions many of us face: Can you want more without becoming unhappy? After a powerful conversation with one of my program members, I found myself reflecting on something I’ve wrestled with my entire life — the tension between contentment and desire. Is wanting more a beautiful part of being human? Or is it the very thing making us miserable? We explore the fear behind dreaming bigger, why many people avoid aspirational thinking, and how the desire for “contentment” can sometimes become a form of self-protection. I also share my own personal struggle — from my longing for a dream home to navigating competing desires in marriage, finances, and identity — and what I’m learning about balancing gratitude with growth. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: Am I ungrateful for wanting more? Because maybe wanting more doesn’t make you selfish. Maybe it makes you human. 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 wanting more doesn’t make you selfish or ungrateful ✔ The hidden tension between contentment and desire ✔ Why fear often disguises itself as “being realistic” ✔ How competing desires create emotional conflict ✔ The difference between desire and attachment ✔ How relationships complicate major dreams and decisions ✔ Why gratitude and ambition can coexist ✔ How to explore your desires without emotional overwhelm Key Topics Covereddesire vs contentment, wanting more, happiness, emotional fulfillment, fear of change, dream life, self-growth, ambition, gratitude, competing desires, relationship dynamics, life alignment, emotional maturity, personal growth, mindset shifts, self-awareness, authenticity Reflection QuestionsWhat are you afraid would happen if you allowed yourself to want more? Are you choosing contentment — or avoiding discomfort? What desire keeps resurfacing in your life? What feeling are you actually seeking underneath the dream? Can gratitude and desire exist together for you? 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

    29 min
  6. May 18

    355: Peacocks Don’t Apologize or Ask for Permission

    In this deeply personal episode, I share a moment that unexpectedly brought up one of my oldest wounds: the fear of being too much. After attending a friend’s birthday celebration wearing a bold red outfit, a fascinator, and showing up fully as myself, I left feeling something familiar — shame. Was I too loud? Too expressive? Too visible? Too much? What followed was a powerful realization about authenticity, visibility, and the ways so many of us quietly abandon ourselves to fit in. We explore how childhood conditioning shapes our fears of standing out, why many women learn to shrink themselves to feel safe, and how shame doesn’t just affect our behavior — it impacts our dreams, confidence, and willingness to be seen. This episode is about reclaiming your radiance, trusting who you naturally are, and understanding that the qualities you’ve been trying to suppress may actually be connected to your purpose. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to tone yourself down, stay quiet, or become smaller to make others comfortable, this conversation is for you. You are not too much. You may simply have been taught to shrink. 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 so many people fear being “too much” ✔ How childhood conditioning shapes self-consciousness ✔ The connection between shame and self-abandonment ✔ Why visibility feels unsafe for many women ✔ How shrinking yourself impacts your dreams and purpose ✔ The difference between discomfort and self-betrayal ✔ Why authenticity creates deeper alignment ✔ How to stop apologizing for who you are Key Topics Coveredauthenticity, shame, self-abandonment, visibility, women shrinking themselves, childhood conditioning, fear of judgment, people pleasing, emotional healing, confidence, self-expression, personal growth, identity, radiance, purpose, self-acceptance, being too much, emotional resilience Reflection QuestionsWhere are you shrinking yourself to make others comfortable? What part of yourself have you been told is “too much”? What dreams might require more of your authenticity? What would change if you stopped apologizing for being fully yourself? 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
  7. 354: You Don’t Need a Sign — You Need to Trust Yourself

    May 11

    354: You Don’t Need a Sign — You Need to Trust Yourself

    In this deeply personal episode, I share a realization that completely changed the way I make decisions — and the way I trust myself. For years, I searched for signs. But eventually, I realized something profound: The sign I was waiting for had been inside me all along. We explore why so many of us struggle to trust ourselves, how fear and overthinking keep us stuck, and why constantly seeking reassurance from others can quietly disconnect us from our own inner wisdom. This episode is about learning to trust your intuition, stop waiting for permission, and recognize that clarity often comes after action — not before it. If you’ve been stuck in indecision, overthinking, or waiting for the “right sign” to move forward, this conversation may be exactly what you need. You don’t need more proof. You may just need to trust yourself. 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 we search for signs before making hard decisions ✔ How external validation can disconnect us from ourselves ✔ The difference between intuition and fear ✔ Why overthinking creates paralysis ✔ How to recognize your inner knowing ✔ Why clarity often comes after taking action ✔ Practical mindset shifts to trust yourself more ✔ How to stop waiting and start moving forward Key Topics Coveredintuition, self-trust, external validation, overthinking, decision-making, fear and uncertainty, personal growth, mindset shifts, spiritual growth, self-discovery, trusting yourself, inner wisdom, courage, life transitions, authentic living Reflection QuestionsWhat decision are you waiting for permission to make? What if your desire itself is the sign? How often are you outsourcing your knowing to others? What would change if you trusted yourself fully? Loved This Episode?If this conversation resonated with you: ⭐ Leave a review 📲 Share it with someone navigating burnout or career change Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min
  8. 353: I Procrastinated All Day — Here’s the Real Reason Why

    May 4

    353: I Procrastinated All Day — Here’s the Real Reason Why

    In this deeply personal episode, I share a real moment of resistance — spending an entire day doing everything on my to-do list except the one thing that actually mattered. I wasn’t being lazy. I wasn’t lacking discipline. I was avoiding something. In this episode, I unpack what procrastination really looks like — especially for high achievers — and why it’s often not about time management, but about fear, perfectionism, and lack of self-trust. We explore the hidden reasons we delay the things that matter most, from fear of failure and judgment to fear of success and being seen. I also walk you through a simple, practical framework that helped me finally press record — and how you can use it to move forward in your own life. If there’s something you’ve been putting off, even though you know it’s important, this episode will help you understand why — and what to do next. Procrastination isn’t the problem. Avoidance is. Disclaimer The 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 procrastination is often avoidance, not laziness ✔ How perfectionism creates resistance to starting ✔ The role of fear (failure, success, judgment, visibility) ✔ Why high achievers stay busy instead of moving forward ✔ The truth about “feeling ready” ✔ How to break the cycle of avoidance ✔ A simple 3-step framework to take action ✔ Why small actions create momentum Key Topics Covered Procrastination Avoidance behavior Perfectionism Fear of failure Fear of success Fear of judgment Self-trust Resistance Productivity mindset High achiever patterns Taking action Mindset shifts Emotional avoidance Personal growth Reflection Questions What are you avoiding right now? What fear might be underneath that avoidance? What would it look like to start imperfectly? What is one small action you can take today? 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

    14 min
4.8
out of 5
345 Ratings

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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