The Catalyst Way™: Creative Strategies for Women in Medicine to Flourish

Dr. Lara Salyer
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Catalyst Way—the podcast for women clinicians who want to get organized, reignite creativity, and flourish in medicine. Hosted by Dr. Lara Salyer, DO, IFMCP, a physician, author, mentor, and Flow Research Collective-trained coach, this show is your weekly dose of practical strategies to help you flourish inside and outside the exam room. Whether you’re drowning in admin work, feeling creatively stifled, or building a Functional Medicine practice from scratch, you’ll find real, actionable solutions in every episode. ✨ What You’ll Learn: ️✔️ How to beat burnout and reclaim time & energy with better organization, essential tools, and flow science ️✔️ Why creativity is a clinical intervention (and how to harness it!) ️✔️ Mindset shifts, intuition, and self-expression for a sustainable career Expect short solo episodes packed with high-impact tips, plus occasional guest experts sharing their wisdom. Each episode ends with a ”Catalyst Question” to spark reflection and action. 🚀 Take the first step! Discover your burnout risk & creative strengths with the Catalyst Archetype Quiz → https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype

  1. 6D AGO

    Burnout Is Killing Women Physicians (Nervous System Solution)

    Did you know that women physicians, despite their expertise, have a shorter lifespan than the general population?   What?   Yeah, I know. I was shocked too.   This statistic really stuck with me because it's not about intelligence or access or effort. It's truly showing that the system of health care is not built to help women clinicians succeed at all. It's not built for us emotionally, neurologically or biologically.   If you are a woman clinician right now, silently wondering how much longer you can handle this, this episode is for you. I'm going to break down my latest framework called the Catalyst Energetics – a simple nervous system tool that you can use every day. I've been using this framework inside my coaching sessions, mentoring program and retreats that I teach at.   It's my gift to you so that you can have better intuition, better flow and not become another statistic!   Links: Catalyst Energetics FREE Course: https://rightbrainrescue.com/l/digital_download/971232/catalyst-energetics  For other free gifts: DrLaraSalyer.com/create      Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catalyst-way-creative-strategies-for-women-in/id1611612131  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d96T0XY32NxEefslXhLNo?si=90609a4ca6254dec  https://www.instagram.com/drlarasalyer/  https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ https://www.tiktok.com/@Creativity.Doctor    Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way™

    24 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    How to Spot Lazy AI Content and Write Like a Human Again

    Blah… That’s how I feel about AI-generated writing. I have become personally outraged by all the sloppy AI that I read every day in social media. (However, it's actually working in my favor because I'm not scrolling as much as I used to.) Are you also tired of seeing the same phrases and the same cliches? Let’s both be better. In this episode, I’ll teach you the FLAT mnemonic test so you can spot when AI language is leaving you, well, generic. Trust me when I say it will enhance your writing quality! F - formulaic language L - lazy phrases A - artificial optimism T - thesaurus thinking. Special bonus! I’ll give you a glimpse at what our Catalysts are saying inside my Catalyst Studio Mentorship. I’ll share all the top apps they're using with AI and how they're using them so that you can level up your experience in the social media realm.   The future of charting with AI: https://drlarasalyer.com/2024/03/22/episode-106-the-future-of-charting-with-ai/ Take the FREE Micropractice Assessment: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/to/P56ItjWi Catalyst Studio: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery     Connect with Lara: Website: https://drlarasalyer.com The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catalyst-way-creative-strategies-for-women-in/id1611612131  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7d96T0XY32NxEefslXhLNo?si=90609a4ca6254dec  https://www.instagram.com/drlarasalyer/  https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ https://www.tiktok.com/@Creativity.Doctor

    24 min

  3. 12/12/2025

    Good Invisible Work: Steps to Optimize Your Unseen Workday

    Your Apple Watch is reducing your IQ points.   Studies show that each time you turn your focus to something else, even if it's a minor eye glance to look at the pop-up on your window or your Apple Watch message that came in, you lose the equivalent of one IQ point. Eek!   As a woman in medicine, the term invisible work usually evokes highly charged emotions. But, what if I told you multitasking prevents you from getting things done? After a whole day of being distracted, your productivity actually slows down.   In this episode, I'm going to show you what it means to pause, prepare, and make your business run smoother than ever. I’m sharing 4 steps to make your invisible workday productive, powerful, and efficient.   When can you schedule your next invisible workday? And what is going to be the first thing on that list?     Inspire: https://drlarasalyer.com/inspire Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!) Website: https://drlarasalyer.com Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

    19 min

  4. 11/28/2025

    Ethical Generosity: Alternative Ways to Support Your Community

    Do you provide a heart-centered service?   As clinicians, we are wired for compassion. However, we can fall into the habit of over-giving, under-charging and stretching ourselves so thin, all in the name of helping!   In this episode, I’m sharing 6 creative, ethical and energizing ways to help your community that doesn't cost you your peace. This episode isn't just about giving back. It's also about re-imagining generosity as a creative exchange, as an ethical service and an important exercise in boundaries.    Most importantly, I’m explaining the energy of abundance.   Money is only one form of energy and most of us in medicine are far more comfortable giving than receiving. If this sounds like you, get ready to unpack 6 alternative ways (with concrete examples of each) that you can imagine ethical generosity.     Inspire: https://drlarasalyer.com/inspire Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!) Website: https://drlarasalyer.com Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

    21 min

  5. 11/14/2025

    Redefining an Annual Visit Around What Truly Matters

    What lights you up?   In this episode, I’m sharing how my approach to annual visits in functional medicine has changed over the years. Instead of piling on labs and long checklists, I’m leaning into something much more meaningful—creativity and personal values as part of the visit itself.   I walk through the framework I use now, touching on brain health, hormones, metabolism, detox support, structural health, and something we don’t talk about enough: personal fulfillment. My goal is to help practitioners rethink the “annual exam” and turn it into a moment that actually matters for both you and your patient, not just another box to check.   It’s a gentler, more intentional way to practice. Honestly, it feels a lot more human.    How can you rethink traditional approaches and incorporate meaningful, patient-centered strategies into your practice?   Catalyst Studio Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio Brainstorming session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery (Use code PODCAST to waive the fee!) Website: https://drlarasalyer.com Shop: https://drlarasalyer.com/shop Catalyst Kit: https://rightbrainrescue.com/p/catalyst_kit Instagram: @drlarasalyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlarasalyer Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlarasalyer/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrLaraSalyer TikTok: @Creativity.Doctor   Podcast production and show notes provided by The Catalyst Way

    25 min

  6. 10/31/2025

    Part 4 of 4 Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series: The Trauma-Informed Welcome—Your First 100 Feet

    The first 100 feet of your patient’s journey can determine whether they feel safe enough to heal or guarded enough to hold back.   In this episode, I’m wrapping up my four-part miniseries on how to create a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-inclusive onboarding experience. I’ve learned that the way we welcome patients says as much about our care as the medicine we practice. Every detail - the tone of our emails, the questions we ask, the space we create - either builds trust or adds stress. What if every first interaction helped someone exhale and feel seen? What would change in your work if your process reflected safety, autonomy, and genuine connection? I’ll share insights from my Catalyst Studio community and ways to make those first 100 feet of your patient’s journey feel like the start of true healing.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 True Healing Begins When Patients Say Yes 04:25 Why Trauma and Neurodivergence Matter in Onboarding 07:10 Building Trust in the First 100 Feet of the Patient Journey 09:12 Creating a Trauma-Informed Intake and Welcome Experience 16:13 Using Personal Connection to Ease Anxiety and Build Safety 23:23 Giving Patients Choice and Control in Their Care 28:15 How to Prevent Ghosting and Maintain Long-Term Engagement   Links Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship   PODCAST coupon code for a free Brainstorming session   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    33 min

  7. 10/24/2025

    Part 3 of 4 Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series: After the “Yes”— What happens during the Post-Call window

    What happens right after someone says “yes” to working with me? That moment always feels small, but it’s where trust starts to deepen and patients begin to understand what it means to be cared for in my practice.   In this episode, I’m talking about the post-discovery-call window - the time after that initial “yes” when alignment, clarity, and values really matter. I’ve learned that how we follow up says as much about our care as the medicine we deliver. So I want you to ask yourself: How do you show patients what it feels like to be part of your world? What does your tone, timing, and communication say about who you are as a clinician?   I’ll share how a few intentional touches - like a short video message, a useful resource, or a thoughtfully written email - can transform the onboarding experience. I’ll also talk about how gathering feedback, even anonymously, helps refine your process and keep it true to your values.   To me, onboarding isn’t a transaction. It’s a continuation of care - a chance to connect, reassure, and show up fully as the kind of practitioner you want to be.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Turning “Yes” Into Connection 03:33 Drive-Thru Analogy: What Your Follow-Up Says About You 05:08 Why the Post-Call Window Matters 06:22 Behavioral Science and Commitment Bias 07:05 Reflecting Your Practice Values 12:22 Creating Ethical Urgency 14:54 Automate or Personalize? Finding the Right Balance 18:20 The Power of Feedback 25:49 Catalyst Reflection Questions   Links Learn more about the Catalyst Studio Mentorship Book a Brainstorm Session Take the Micropractice Assessment   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    29 min

  8. 10/17/2025

    Part 2 of 4 Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series: What to Say (and not to Say) on a Discovery Call

    Discovery calls don’t have to feel awkward or forced. They can actually be some of the most energizing conversations you have in your practice. In this second part of my Transformational Onboarding Mini-Series, I share my five-step framework for turning those calls into genuine moments of connection and clarity. I call it connect, clarify, align, invite, and detach - a simple flow that helps you stay grounded while confidently guiding patients toward the next step that feels right for them.   If you’ve ever found yourself overexplaining when it’s time to talk about pricing or hesitating to extend an invitation to work together, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know how uncomfortable it can feel. I’ll walk you through ways to bring more ease and authenticity into these calls so they reflect your values instead of feeling scripted.   I also share why I’ve abandoned high-pressure sales tactics in favor of what I call a “slow cook medicine approach” - a model that builds trust, respects boundaries, and supports patient readiness. By the end of this episode, you’ll see discovery calls as conversations that deepen relationships and remind you why this work still lights you up.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Art of Authentic Discovery Calls 02:52 Why Practitioners Overexplain and How to Stop 04:49 The Five-Step Discovery Call Framework 05:32 Step 1: How to Build Safety and Trust 07:08 Step 2: Clarify the Patient’s Story 10:20 Step 3: Align Your Services with Their Needs 13:30 Step 4: Invite Without Feeling “Salesy” 17:49 Step 5: Detach with Confidence 20:19 What to Avoid in Discovery Calls 23:31 Why Pressure Kills Trust 24:45 Recap: The Flow of a Confident Discovery Call 25:49 Catalyst Question: Strengthening Your Boundaries   Links Book a Brainstorm Session Shop at Dr. Lara’s Website   Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:  Visit Dr. Lara’s Website Explore The Catalyst Way Subscribe to Dr. Lara’s YouTube Channel Connect with Dr. Lara on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Lara on Instagram  Follow Dr. Lara on Facebook Follow Dr. Lara on TikTok     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    27 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Catalyst Way—the podcast for women clinicians who want to get organized, reignite creativity, and flourish in medicine. Hosted by Dr. Lara Salyer, DO, IFMCP, a physician, author, mentor, and Flow Research Collective-trained coach, this show is your weekly dose of practical strategies to help you flourish inside and outside the exam room. Whether you’re drowning in admin work, feeling creatively stifled, or building a Functional Medicine practice from scratch, you’ll find real, actionable solutions in every episode. ✨ What You’ll Learn: ️✔️ How to beat burnout and reclaim time & energy with better organization, essential tools, and flow science ️✔️ Why creativity is a clinical intervention (and how to harness it!) ️✔️ Mindset shifts, intuition, and self-expression for a sustainable career Expect short solo episodes packed with high-impact tips, plus occasional guest experts sharing their wisdom. Each episode ends with a ”Catalyst Question” to spark reflection and action. 🚀 Take the first step! Discover your burnout risk & creative strengths with the Catalyst Archetype Quiz → https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype

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