Lean Out Podcast

Dawn Baker MD, MS
  • 5.0 (23)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Do you feel stuck on the Treadmill of Achievement? Are you looking for a new approach to finding work-life balance? You've come to the right place. This is the Lean Out Podcast with your host, Dr. Dawn Baker, author of Lean Out: A Professional Woman's Guide to Finding Authentic Work-Life Balance. Become inspired by amazing women professionals who've taken the steps to lean out and find balance on their own terms. 

  1. Open to Possibilities with Leigh Johnson

    5H AGO

    Open to Possibilities with Leigh Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks with Leigh Johnson. Leigh is a Family Physician in Johnson City, TN. In addition to her MD, she holds a Master's degree in Public Health. Leigh describes herself as an Army veteran, a staunch supporter of human rights, an avid exerciser, a self-proclaimed coffee addict, wife to Abraham and mom to two wild boys. Leigh shares how the abrupt closing of her practice caused her to re-evaluate her work and life direction. She responded with a refreshing air of grace and openness to possibilities. Leigh and her family are now prepping for a new adventure: a temporary locum tenens position in New Zealand.  ** I still have a couple openings this summer for 1:1 coaching! Schedule a time to talk with me HERE ** Relevant/mentioned links: Lean Out Podcast - Adventure with Rachel Wood, Brave with Sasha Shillcutt The Brave Enough Show Season 21/Becoming - Leaving Without Burning Bridges Get in touch with Leigh: Facebook - Leigh Johnson McIntyreInstagram - leighj00Get in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (code POD gives you $50 off!)

    44 min
  2. Solocast: The Essentials

    MAY 8

    Solocast: The Essentials

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks about the essentials. She shares what prompted her to consider hers, and she gives examples of the things she needs daily or almost daily to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. She also shares tips on how you can figure out your own essentials.  Relevant/mentioned links: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeownSchedule a consultation for 1:1 coaching hereCheck out the Lean Out Confidence Course and use the code POD for a deep discount!Get in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out Book

    22 min
  3. Going Back with Jenny Kelly

    APR 23

    Going Back with Jenny Kelly

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks with Jenny Kelly. Jenny is a pediatrician who divides her clinical time between a community health center in rural Arkansas and an integrative pediatrics consulting practice in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Currently pursing a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling, Jenny is committed to expanding her skills to better help her patients and their families. Jenny's career journey is unique because she took a seven year break from clinical practice and later returned to combine rural primary care with integrative medicine consulting. She shares the circumstances of her time off and how she designed the diverse clinical work she's doing now. I met Jenny at the Revitalize: Physician Renewal CME Conference and Retreat in 2025. I just returned from the 2026 retreat, which was also awesome. We're planning to continue the magic in 2027: Meet us in Springdale, UT at Cable Mountain Lodge right outside of Zion National Park for an amazing experience! Registration is now open, and you can check it out HERE! Relevant past episodes you might enjoy: Travel with Claire Johnson (OB/GYN who took a long break from clinical work)Solocast: Why You Need a Retreat (the magic of participating in a retreat)Get in touch with Jenny: Website - Arkansas Integrative PediatricsGet in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (code POD gives you $50 off!)

    39 min
  4. Identity with Stacey Funt

    APR 9

    Identity with Stacey Funt

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker welcomes a return guest: Stacey Funt. Dr. Funt is a practicing radiologist, health coach, and founder of LH Adventure Travel, where she curates and leads women’s global wellness travel experiences in breathtaking natural settings and diverse cultures. She also designs trips for private groups and couples. Each itinerary is rooted in the principles of lifestyle medicine, incorporating movement, nourishment, relaxation, and community to promote wellbeing and meaningful connection. Stacey has lectured nationally on physician well-being and self-care and has led workshops for healthcare professionals and the public. Her travel writing has been featured in Go World Travel Magazine. Through her work, she helps people reconnect with themselves, embrace adventure, and experience the joy and healing power of travel.  Stacey has increased her offerings significantly over the past few years, and she frequently announces sold out retreats. In our conversation, she shares what it's been like to ramp up this passion project, how travel can change your identity, and how she's been balancing travel and clinical work lately. ** Don't forget to leave a review for the Lean Out Podcast! Your feedback helps others find the show in organic searches. Here's how to leave a review: ** Apple Podcasts - Scroll down to Ratings and Reviews --> Leave a ReviewSpotify - Under the About section, click on the 5 Star iconRelevant/mentioned links: Lean Out Podcast - Retreat with Stacey FuntAtomic Habits by James ClearSchedule a free coaching consultation with me HEREGet in touch with Stacey: Website - LHadventuretravel.comFacebook - LH Adventure TravelInstagram - @lhadventuretravelLinkedIn - Stacey Funt, MDGet in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (code POD gives you $50 off!)

    39 min
  5. Reclaim with Christie Mulholland

    MAR 26

    Reclaim with Christie Mulholland

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks with Christie Mulholland. Christie is a palliative care physician and Associate Professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She has spent her adult life proving that intentional breaks make you a better doctor — not a lesser one. She's taken career breaks to backpack across the US, South America, and the Greek Islands.  Recently, Christie took a sabbatical, despite her department saying no. She also founded Reclaim Physician Coaching, where she's on a mission to help seven physicians take a sabbatical in 2027. Christie shares what led to her sabbatical, how she approached her workplace and what happened after they denied her request, what she did on the sabbatical she went ahead and took anyway, and what her work-life balance looks like now. ** Click HERE to subscribe to the Practice Balance newsletter! I send it typically 1-3 times a month, and it includes absolutely no spam or ads. Just things I've learned, things I'm working on, and things I'm inspired by. ** Relevant/mentioned links: Lean Out Podcast - The One Thing You Can Rely On, Mini Retirements with Jillian JohnsrudKevinMD - Why Every Physician Needs a Sabbatical (and How to Take One)Get in touch with Christie: Website - reclaimphysiciancoaching.comTake the Physician Sabbatical Readiness Assessment HERE Get in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (code POD gives you $50 off!)

    38 min
  6. Flexibility with Asha Padmanabhan

    MAR 19

    Flexibility with Asha Padmanabhan

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks with Asha Padmanabhan. Asha is an anesthesiologist, leader, coach, and speaker who delivers workshops, grand rounds, and keynote presentations for healthcare audiences. With more than 20 years in high-stakes operating rooms and leadership roles at state and national levels, she understands the real pressures physicians face — especially women navigating invisible expectations. Through her speaking and coaching, she provides practical tools to strengthen communication, confidence, and professional sustainability. Her work helps physicians reclaim their voice and thrive — in medicine and beyond. Asha shares how she became an accidental leader while working full time in a busy private practice. She also talks about her recent journey of separating from some of the identities and roles so she could have a more flexible schedule with locum tenens work, and all the positives and negatives that go along with it. ** Click HERE to subscribe to the Practice Balance newsletter! I send it typically 1-3 times a month, and it includes absolutely no spam or ads. Just things I've learned, things I'm working on, and things I'm inspired by. ** Get in touch with Asha: LinkedIn - Asha PadmanabhanFacebook - Asha PadmanabhanInstagram - @AshaMDPodcast - Leadership Rx for Women PhysiciansGet in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (use discount code POD!)

    37 min
  7. Systems with Santina Wheat

    MAR 5

    Systems with Santina Wheat

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dawn Baker talks with Santina Wheat. Santina is an academic family physician who finds joy in helping others unlock their full potential. She also serves as a career and life coach, guiding physicians and healthcare workers from burnout to balance. Having navigated her own career challenges, she understands the power of mentorship and intentional growth. In addition to clinical topics, Dr. Wheat speaks on leadership, inclusion, and well-being, crafting engaging conversations that inspire transformation.  Santina shares her journey through burnout, using simple systems to help her place boundaries. She now helps other physicians and trainees do the same. There are some great, overlooked ideas in this one! Relevant/mentioned links: Lean Out Podcast episodes - Do You Have Margin in Your Life? Get in touch with Santina: Website - santinawheat.comInstagram - @drtinawheatLinkedIn - Tina WheatFacebook - Dr Tina WheatYoutube - @santinawheatLLCGet in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (use discount code POD!)

    35 min
  8. Solocast: Scammed! What To Do and How to Prevent Internet Crime

    FEB 26

    Solocast: Scammed! What To Do and How to Prevent Internet Crime

    Send us Fan Mail This solo episode is a departure from the regular content of the Lean Out Podcast, but it's an important topic that applies to everyone. Dawn Bakers shares about her experience getting scammed. She provides details about how she dealt with it and gives tips for what to do to prevent becoming the victim of internet scams. How to leave a review for the show: Apple Podcasts - Scroll down to Ratings and Reviews --> Leave a ReviewSpotify - Under the About section, click on the 5 Star icon** Don't forget to check out the Revitalize: Physician Renewal Retreat!  Come hike and retreat with me in Utah's red rock wilderness this April 9-11. We'll also be doing yoga in the red rocks of Snow Canyon State Park 😍. Register through my link, and I will gift you a free post-retreat debrief coaching session! Use the code INVITE200 for $200 off through March 1 ** Relevant/mentioned links: Mel Robbins Podcast - Cybersecurity Expert Reveals: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself Online (Starting Tonight) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Get in touch with Dawn: Website - practicebalance.comInstagram - @practicebalanceFacebook - Dawn BakerLinkedIn - Dawn L Baker, MDBuy the Lean Out BookBuy the Lean Out Confidence Course (use code POD for a screamin' deal)

    18 min
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Do you feel stuck on the Treadmill of Achievement? Are you looking for a new approach to finding work-life balance? You've come to the right place. This is the Lean Out Podcast with your host, Dr. Dawn Baker, author of Lean Out: A Professional Woman's Guide to Finding Authentic Work-Life Balance. Become inspired by amazing women professionals who've taken the steps to lean out and find balance on their own terms. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dawn Baker MD, MS
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lean Out Podcast
  • Show Website
    Lean Out Podcast

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