Strive: Exploring Mind, Medicine, and Motivation

Sai M
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Dive into Strive, hosted by Sai Mannam. This podcast melds the intricacies of the mind with the marvels of medicine, all underpinned by trying to learn what drives people. From personal tales of resilience to candid conversations with diverse experts, Strive offers insights into life's challenges and the relentless pursuit of growth. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and determination that propels us towards a purposeful existence. Disclaimer: Views are the host's & guests', not affiliated with UPenn.

  1. Mar 4

    Episode 39: Ed Gaines - Healthcare Reimbursement, Prior Authorization, and the No Surprises Act

    In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Ed Gaines, a nationally recognized expert in healthcare reimbursement, medical coding, and physician payment policy, to unpack the economic infrastructure that shapes modern medicine. Together we discuss: • Why reimbursement education is largely absent from medical training • How documentation and coding directly influence physician payment • The real implications of the No Surprises Act for patients and providers • The growing burden of prior authorization and payer oversight • Why independent practices may be regaining leverage against health plans • What young physicians should know about contracts, negotiations, and advocacy This conversation offers a rare inside look at the policy, incentives, and payment systems that quietly determine how care is delivered in the United States, and why physicians must understand them to protect the future of the profession.

  2. Feb 25

    Episode 38: Elad Levy - Building Paradigm Shifts in Modern Neurosurgery

    In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Dr. Elad Levy, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Distinguished Professor, to explore how paradigm shifts in medicine are built. A pioneer of mechanical thrombectomy and U.S. Interventional Principal Investigator of the landmark SWIFT PRIME trial, Dr. Levy reflects on the transformation of stroke care before and after 2015 and breaks down how bold ideas evolve from promising cases to national guidelines. We discuss the systems-level constraints that still shape outcomes today, the creation of Atlas, the nation’s first ambulatory neurovascular surgery center, and the operational philosophy behind the Jacobs Institute as an engine for scalable innovation. From leading a rapidly growing academic department to advancing endovascular brain–computer interfaces, this conversation is a masterclass in building teams, redesigning care delivery, and sustaining innovation at the highest levels of medicine.

  3. Feb 4

    Episode 37: Russell Lonser - Surgical Innovation, Translational Science, and Responsible Leadership

    In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University and a global leader in neurosurgery and physician-scientist training. Dr. Lonser reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to risk, responsibility, and innovation; discusses how simplicity drives scalable impact in surgery and research, and shares insights from his groundbreaking work in von Hippel–Lindau disease and neurological gene therapy. A candid conversation on leading at the intersection of clinical care, discovery, and ethics.

  4. Jan 21

    Episode 36: Noah Kaufman - Decentralizing Healthcare

    Join us on the Strive Podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Noah Kaufman, an emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and Bitcoin philosopher. Known as the Ninja Doc from NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Dr. Kaufman shares insights on how his experiences in medicine, finance, and physical performance intersect. Discover how Bitcoin connects to self-actualization and morality, and hear his inspiring message for future physicians.

  5. 12/18/2025

    Episode 35: Scott Becker - Building Becker's Healthcare

    Scott Becker shares insights on his dual career path, the evolution of Becker's Healthcare, and the mindset behind balancing law and media entrepreneurship. He discusses the legal mindset and entrepreneurial instincts, scalable and commercializable solutions, defining moments, and decision-making in business. Additionally, he provides valuable insights into the consolidation of healthcare systems and the impact of private equity and venture capital in the industry. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership and vision in health systems, the traits of great leaders across industries, and the trends and evolution of the healthcare industry. It emphasizes the need for scale, investment in technology, and the impact of leadership on the success of health systems. Takeaways Dual career pathsBuilding a practiceScaling a business Leadership and vision are crucial for the success of health systems.The need for scale and investment in technology to build greatness in healthcare. 00:00 Introduction to Scott Becker06:32 Balancing Dual Careers13:24 Scalable and Commercializable Solutions22:52 Consolidation in Healthcare29:02 Leadership and Vision in Health Systems36:31 Healthcare Industry Trends and Evolution

  6. 05/30/2024

    Episode 34: Tina Chen - Exploring the Journey & Challenges in Mental Health

    In this episode of the Strive podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tina Chen, a dedicated psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Chen discusses her path to psychiatry, sharing her initial aspirations in the medical field and her eventual passion for mental health. The discussion navigates through various aspects of psychiatry, the cultural perspectives on mental illness, and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment. Dr. Chen provides valuable insights into the complexities of mental illness, the impact of social media on mental health, and the future of psychiatric care. This episode offers a deep dive into both the personal and professional experiences that shape a psychiatrist's approach to tackling some of the most pressing issues in mental health today. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Chen 00:17 Dr. Chen's Journey to Psychiatry 03:13 Discovering Psychiatry During Clerkship 06:38 Comparing Psychiatry and Surgery 12:37 Understanding Mental Illness 25:44 Understanding Psychiatric Markers 27:56 The Impact of Stigma on Mental Illness 29:09 Social Media and Mental Health 31:14 The Evolution of Psychiatry 37:23 The Reality of Psychosis 44:59 Future of Psychiatric Treatment 47:28 Final Thoughts and Advice

    Episode 34: Tina Chen - Exploring the Journey & Challenges in Mental Health

  7. 05/23/2024

    Episode 33: Zachary Rosenthal- Exploring Electroconvulsive Therapy

    In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Zachary Rosenthal, a psychiatry resident from the University of Pennsylvania. We delve into his journey in medicine and his focus on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Dr. Rosenthal discusses the latest advancements in ECT, its promising role in psychiatric treatment, and navigates the ethical and public misconceptions surrounding it. He also reflects on his medical journey from Haverford College to his current residency and offers insights into the relationship between mind, brain, and consciousness. This episode offers a deeper understanding of ECT, its mechanisms, and its potential future applications. 00:00 Welcome to the Strive Podcast: A Journey into Mind, Medicine, and Motivation 00:14 Introducing Dr. Zachary Rosenthal: A Deep Dive into Psychiatry and ECT 02:12 The Personal and Professional Journey of Dr. Rosenthal 07:06 Exploring the Mind-Brain Connection: Insights from Neuroscience 12:43 Demystifying Electroconvulsive Therapy: Mechanisms and Misconceptions 30:49 The Future of Psychiatry: Innovations and Ethical Considerations 40:52 Reflecting on the Human Aspect of Medicine and Psychiatry 48:25 Looking Forward: The Evolution of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

    Episode 33: Zachary Rosenthal- Exploring Electroconvulsive Therapy

  8. 05/16/2024

    Episode 32: Shae Keller - Exploring the Intersection of Pharmacy, Informatics, and Business

    In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Shae Keller, a professional who has navigated the journey from pharmacy to pharmacy informatics, and further into the realm of business with an Executive MBA. Shay shares insights into his unconventional career path, starting from his education in Indiana and South Carolina, through to his current role that integrates pharmacy, informatics, and business to innovate healthcare. The discussion covers the evolving role of technology in healthcare, the impact of pharmacy informatics on patient care, and the potential future advancements with AI in pharmacy and healthcare. Shae also reflects on how his MBA has equipped him to understand and tackle the financial challenges within healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of blending clinical knowledge with business acumen to enhance patient care and streamline operations. 00:00 Introduction to the Strive Podcast 00:41 Shay Keller's Journey: From Pharmacy to Business 01:33 Exploring Pharmacy Informatics with Shay Keller 09:25 The Future of Pharmacy Informatics and AI Integration 13:34 Innovations and Challenges in the Pharmacy Space 28:38 The Impact of Business Acumen in Healthcare 39:53 Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare and Pharmacy

    Episode 32: Shae Keller - Exploring the Intersection of Pharmacy, Informatics, and Business
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Dive into Strive, hosted by Sai Mannam. This podcast melds the intricacies of the mind with the marvels of medicine, all underpinned by trying to learn what drives people. From personal tales of resilience to candid conversations with diverse experts, Strive offers insights into life's challenges and the relentless pursuit of growth. Join us as we uncover the wisdom and determination that propels us towards a purposeful existence. Disclaimer: Views are the host's & guests', not affiliated with UPenn.

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