Behind The White Coat - Real Talk For Physician Spouses

Amanda
  • 5.0 (24)
  • KIDS & FAMILY

Being married to medicine comes with challenges—long hours, relocations, and feeling like you’re navigating it all alone. That’s where this podcast comes in. I’m sharing the things I wish someone had told me—how to survive medical training, juggle parenting, manage finances, and actually build a life you love. We’ll cover everything from making friends in a new city to understanding insurance, finding childcare, and staying connected as a couple. Some episodes will be just me, sharing real stories and lessons learned. Other times, I’ll bring on expert guests—financial advisors, physician spouses, and those who’ve been through it all—to offer practical advice. Most of all, this is a place for community. A space where you can feel understood, supported, and even laugh along the way. Because being married to medicine doesn’t mean doing it alone. So grab a coffee (or wine!), and let’s talk about the real side of life Behind The White Coat.

  1. 2D AGO

    #51| Building A Dual Physician Life In Nashville

    We sit down with Dr. Brendan Frainey and Dr. Allison Weiffenbach for an honest look at what dual physician life really takes, from long-distance training to building careers and raising kids in Nashville. We talk through the moves, the systems at home, and the mindset shifts that help us protect marriage and mental health when time is tight.  • meeting in college and building a relationship through pre-med and medical school  • making long distance work by planning the next visit and lowering pressure  • choosing Nashville for fellowship, careers, and a livable family routine  • navigating interviews, pregnancy, childcare, and schools during a move  • leaving a poor-fit job and deciding to pursue a better path  • opening a dermatology practice and learning the business side fast  • managing people, hiring, training, and tough conversations as an owner  • relying on a nanny and building flexible routines without nearby family  • using constant communication to split weeks that never look the same  • protecting marriage through date nights, workouts, and adults-only trips  • advice for medical couples to pivot when unhappy and avoid resentment  • what they would tell their younger selves about trust, effort, and regret  Dr. Allison Weiffenbach is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cortina, a premier destination for advanced skincare in Belle Meade, TN. Through a personalized approach, she and her team provide both medical and cosmetic dermatology services using the latest technologies. For more information, visit their website and Instagram page.  If you enjoyed this episode, I would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another physician spouse. Your support helps more of us to connect. Keep in mind this podcast is for you. So, let's keep this conversation going.  Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    31 min

  2. MAR 30

    #50| On Call Parenting, Real Talk From The Kids

    We hand the mic to our sons for an honest look at what it feels like to grow up with a physician parent and an unpredictable on-call schedule. They share what was hard, what was surprisingly normal, and what they admire most about the work ethic behind the scrubs.  • adjusting to missed holidays, dinners and occasional events due to call and long shifts  • finding the “perks” in later flexibility like extended time off and meaningful travel  • favorite memories including learning dad treated a friend and how that felt at school  • the toughest part being last-minute plan changes and middle-of-the-night call-ins  • lessons they take forward about discipline, attitude and not complaining  • whether medicine influenced their career goals and why schooling length and debt matter  • advice for medical couples thinking about kids during training and early career years  • family traditions that keep connection strong even when dates shift  • rapid fire favorites from cooking to late-night snacks and funny family truths  If you enjoyed this episode, I would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another physician spouse. Your support helps more of us to connect. Keep in mind this podcast is for you. So, let's keep this conversation going.  Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    23 min

  3. MAR 23

    #49| The Hidden Cost Of Moving Far From Family

    We talk through the hardest decision many medical families face: choosing proximity to family or a career opportunity that can change everything. We name the grief and guilt that come with both paths and share a few ways to make peace with a choice you can’t fully predict.  • the “emotional math” behind residency, fellowship, and attending moves  • what we gain and what we lose when we choose the opportunity  • what we gain and what we lose when we stay near family  • why grief and “what if” show up no matter what we pick  • three reminders that help us move forward without spiraling  • our Nashville story and how life can take a surprising turn  • ways to create community and rebuild traditions in a new place  If you enjoyed this episode, I would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another physician spouse. Your support helps more of us to connect. Keep in mind this podcast is for you. So, let's keep this conversation going.  Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    9 min

  4. MAR 16

    #48| Self-Care Is A Necessity, Not A Luxury

    We slow down together with a breath and get honest about self-care for the messy, tired days when we still have to show up. We redefine self-care as a necessity and share simple, low-cost ways to feel more like ourselves again, especially as physician spouses and partners.  • why self-care gets skipped: no time, no energy, no money and the belief it is selfish  • what running on empty looks like: exhaustion, irritability, disconnection and short patience  • a clear definition of real self-care beyond bubble baths and shopping  • questions to find your version of self-care: what restores you, grounds you and brings joy  • five-minute reset with breathing and stillness for consistent relief  • free movement ideas that shift mood: walking, stretching, yoga and YouTube workouts  • small morning or night rituals: silence, journaling, brain dumps, reading and gratitude  • connection check-ins: calls, voice memos and simple time with a friend  • protecting your energy with boundaries: saying no, leaving early and not over-explaining  Send me a message, tell me what that one small act is that you are going to implement today.  Share this episode with somebody that you feel like maybe does need to stop for a minute, slow down, and implement self-care themselves.  If you enjoyed this episode, I would love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    12 min

  5. MAR 9

    #47| Ask Amanda: Simple Rituals That Keep Your Marriage Strong Through Busy Schedules

    In this episode, I share simple, repeatable habits that keep a marriage connected through call schedules, evening shifts, and family chaos. From standing dates to shared journals, I focus on low-cost, high-impact rituals that build closeness, reduce stress, and keep romance alive. • choosing a standing weekly date that survives schedule chaos • rotating who plans to add surprise and lower mental load • using micro check-ins like texts, voice notes, and five-minute coffee • starting a two-person book club for built-in conversation • creating a shared journal to trade gratitude, photos, and feelings • finding no-spend gestures like picnic at home and favorite snacks • prioritizing one kid-free getaway or staycation each year • staying close on opposite shifts with asynchronous touchpoints • naming effort during stress and laughing on purpose • using short walks, music, workouts, and hot yoga to reset If you enjoyed this episode, I would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with others. Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    12 min

  6. MAR 2

    #46| Design The Trip You Need, Not The One The Internet Sells

    We unpack why trip planning causes overwhelm and how a travel agent removes stress while saving money. Carly shares budget moves for 2026 travel, hidden costs to avoid, and how to combine points with pro perks for the best value. • decision overwhelm and why planning kills the joy • Carly’s path from teacher to travel agent and author • budget strategies using portals, packages and off‑peak timing • saving on transport with better location and transfers • activities that quietly drain budgets and smarter swaps • 2026 must‑knows including entry rules and Wi‑Fi updates • how agent commissions work and when planning fees apply • exclusive perks: upgrades, credits and insider partners • stacking points with agency searches for maximum value • deal seasons: wave season, Travel Tuesday and booking windows • rapid fire preferences and candid travel advice • how to contact Carly via Instagram, website, form or consult • mention the podcast to waive Carly’s planning fee To connect with Carly or learn more about her work, please visit this website or follow her on Instagram.  I would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or pass it along to someone in your circle who needs to hear this episode. Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    29 min

  7. FEB 23

    #45| Money Guidance That Matches Medicine: Aligning Advice With Your Life

    We sit down with Lauren Oschman of Vestia Advisors to demystify how to choose a financial advisor who truly understands physician life, from RVUs and contracts to maternity leave and disability. We dig into independence, credentials, and fee models so you can interview with confidence. • What real financial planning includes beyond investments • Why independence and conflicts of interest matter • CFP and ChFC credentials and specialized expertise • Fee structures explained: commissions, AUM, flat fees, hybrids • How physician finances differ and why stakes are higher • Risk management, asset protection, and insurance fit • One question that reveals decision support through change • How to connect with Lauren and find more resources If you are interviewing a financial advisor, Lauren recommends starting with these five key questions: 1. Do you work with doctors? If so, how many? Understand their experience with physician households and how familiar they are with the financial realities of medical careers. 2. What will you actually do for me? Go beyond investments. Ask for real, practical examples of how they support clients in areas like contracts, compensation, loans, disability claims, maternity leave planning, and more. 3. Are you independent? Clarify whether they provide unbiased advice or are tied to a specific bank, insurance company, or private equity structure. 4. What are your qualifications? Look for respected designations such as CFP or ChFC, and ask about any specialized credentials that may be relevant to physician families. 5. How do you get paid? Understand their fee structure and identify any potential conflicts of interest in how they earn compensation. Follow Lauren on Instagram or visit her website for contact details and to learn more about her services. If this conversation was meaningful to you, feel free to reach out or share it with a friend, your partner, or another physician spouse navigating similar decisions. Also, please consider subscribing or leaving a review to help more physician families discover the show.  Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    38 min

  8. FEB 16

    #44| A Veteran Dad’s Guide To Surviving Training Years

    We sit with Ian Wessels, a Navy veteran and work-from-home dad, to explore the unseen labor, identity shifts, and relocations that define life as the primary parent while a spouse trains in cardiothoracic surgery. The talk blends candor, humor, and practical tools for mindset, self care, and community. • military medicine training timeline and family milestones • invisible labor and the emotional load at home • pressures facing female physicians in male-led specialties • strategies for moves and setting a positive family tone • pandemic solo parenting and building core memories • self care without guilt and being explicitly acknowledged • identity loss and making fatherhood your own • finding community as a male spouse through interests • vulnerability, communication, and stating what you need • practical tips for routines, resilience, and confidence If this episode made you feel seen or gave you a sense of relief, I would love for you to share it with another medical family or physician spouse who might need the same reminder.  And if you have not already, please follow the show and consider leaving a review. Your support truly helps us reach and connect with more families navigating this journey.  Connect with me on Instagram or email me at amanda@abtnhomes.com with your thoughts, topic ideas, questions, or even guest suggestions.

    49 min
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5
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24 Ratings

About

Being married to medicine comes with challenges—long hours, relocations, and feeling like you’re navigating it all alone. That’s where this podcast comes in. I’m sharing the things I wish someone had told me—how to survive medical training, juggle parenting, manage finances, and actually build a life you love. We’ll cover everything from making friends in a new city to understanding insurance, finding childcare, and staying connected as a couple. Some episodes will be just me, sharing real stories and lessons learned. Other times, I’ll bring on expert guests—financial advisors, physician spouses, and those who’ve been through it all—to offer practical advice. Most of all, this is a place for community. A space where you can feel understood, supported, and even laugh along the way. Because being married to medicine doesn’t mean doing it alone. So grab a coffee (or wine!), and let’s talk about the real side of life Behind The White Coat.

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