The PLA Podcast

Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA)
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The Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast is a space for physicians seeking meaningful connection, personal growth, and authentic leadership. Through insightful conversations with PLA faculty, alumni, and thought leaders, we explore the inner work of physician leadership—from mindfulness and emotional intelligence to navigating burnout, uncertainty, and change. Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Costa, this podcast offers practical tools, honest reflections, and real stories that inspire physicians to lead with intention—at work, at home, and in their communities. Whether you’re a graduate of the PLA or just beginning your leadership journey, this podcast is here to reconnect you with your values, your purpose, and your community.  🎙️ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association 🌐 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org 📲 Contact us at physiciansleadershipacademy.org/contact-us

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 12: Facing the End: Purpose, Presence & End-of-Life Coaching with Phil Cass

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with PLA founder Phil Cass for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about his recent journey into end-of-life coaching. After decades of leadership, coaching, and service to physicians, Phil shares how a silent retreat, personal loss, and his own health scare led him to explore a new purpose: supporting individuals and families as they face death. Now trained as an end-of-life-coach, Phil reflects on the power of presence, listening, and reducing fear at life’s most vulnerable moments. Together, they explore how conversations about death can bring clarity, connection, and even joy, and why so many people already hold deep insight into what a “good death” and a meaningful life look like. Phil also offers practical reflections on preparing for the end, from writing ethical wills to having honest conversations with loved ones, and shares how this work continues to shape his own approach to living fully. Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    43 min

  2. May 12

    Ep 11 - Part 2: Tired and Wired: Safe Relational Touch for Nervous System Regulation

    Send us Fan Mail In part two of our conversation with aesthetician, artist, and craniosacral therapy practitioner Amy Linville, host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa continues their conversation focusing on biodynamic craniosacral therapy (CST) and its relevance for healthcare professionals managing chronic stress and trauma. Amy explains how stress can lead to “chronic bracing,” and describes how safe, negotiated relational touch can help the autonomic nervous system soften and regulate beyond simply telling oneself to relax.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/ Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    34 min

  3. Apr 20

    Ep 11 - Part 1: Drawing as a Stillness Practice with Amy Linville

    Send us Fan Mail Host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa speaks with Amy Linville, an aesthetician who also incorporates biodynamic craniosacral therapy, about building a creative life through drawing. In Part 1 of their conversation, they discuss approachable practices such as 10-minute drawing challenges focused on process over product, noticing nervous system regulation and body awareness, and using constraints like time to reduce perfectionism.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/  Try Amy's drawing game here: https://bit.ly/4cmu6ct Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    28 min

  4. Mar 4

    Ep 10: Martial Arts, Mindfulness, and Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Dean Agra

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Stephanie Costa, Director of Alumni Programming at the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA), talks with PLA graduate Dr. Dean Agra, formerly a nephrologist and now a full-time addiction medicine physician, about how martial arts support mindfulness, grounding, and leading as one’s truest self. Dean shares how he first explored martial arts as a child, returned to training in medical school as a physical and mental outlet, and now practices three to five times per week as a “moving meditation” that helps him stay focused and present. He discusses the complementary nature of PLA mindfulness teachings with martial arts, outlines disciplines he’s trained in (including kung fu, ninjitsu, Muay Thai, and tai chi), and offers suggestions for beginners seeking breath work, fitness, or practical self-defense. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    26 min

  5. Jan 18

    Ep 9: Dream Coaching, Burnout, and Finding What’s Next

    Send us Fan Mail Amy Marzluff shares her coaching journey and unique approach to helping people rediscover their dreams. This episode explores physician burnout, leadership, retirement, and life transitions—and how reconnecting with purpose can support both personal and professional well-being.  Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    30 min

  6. Jan 11

    Ep 8: Healing the Healers: Trauma, Well-Being, and Leadership in Medicine

    Send us Fan Mail Psychiatrist and OhioHealth Medical Director of Provider Well-Being Dr. Carol Chung joins host Stephanie Costa to discuss physician well-being, trauma, and the importance of seeking support in medicine. They explore burnout versus depression, peer support, trauma-informed care, and how EMDR can help clinicians heal and return to work stronger. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, compassion, and changing the culture of medicine from within.  Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    33 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Ep 7: Cut Open: A Surgeon’s Journey Through Resilience, Community & Growth

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with Dr. Danny Eiferman, Ohio State surgeon, educator, and author of Cut Open: A Surgeon’s Stories of Loss, Resilience, and Growth.   Dr. Eiferman shares an honest, deeply human look at the realities of surgical practice, the emotional weight of complications, and the healing power of community. He discusses what inspired him to write his upcoming book, how storytelling reveals meaning in suffering, and why physicians need safe spaces to talk openly about mistakes, self-doubt, and the pressures of modern medicine.   Together, they explore themes core to the PLA experience: vulnerability, peer support, post-traumatic growth, and leading with humanity. This conversation offers reassurance to physicians who feel isolated and inspiration to those seeking renewed purpose in their work.    Find updates on Dr. Eiferman's book here: https://integritysurgery.org/ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    33 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    Ep 6 - Part 2: Boundaries, Community & the Practice of Presence

    Send us Fan Mail In part two of this heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Stephanie Costa and PLA founder Phil Cass continue their dialogue with contemplative forester and longtime meditation teacher Jim Dresher. Together, they explore the essential role of community in physicians’ well-being, the deeper meaning of boundaries, and how solitude and self-care expand our capacity to serve. Listeners will gain thoughtful insight on cultivating agency, balance, and connection—practical wisdom to restore both personal and professional vitality. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

    20 min
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About

The Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) Podcast is a space for physicians seeking meaningful connection, personal growth, and authentic leadership. Through insightful conversations with PLA faculty, alumni, and thought leaders, we explore the inner work of physician leadership—from mindfulness and emotional intelligence to navigating burnout, uncertainty, and change. Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Costa, this podcast offers practical tools, honest reflections, and real stories that inspire physicians to lead with intention—at work, at home, and in their communities. Whether you’re a graduate of the PLA or just beginning your leadership journey, this podcast is here to reconnect you with your values, your purpose, and your community.  🎙️ Produced by the Columbus Medical Association 🌐 Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org 📲 Contact us at physiciansleadershipacademy.org/contact-us

Information

  • Creator
    Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The PLA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The PLA Podcast