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

Discipline vs Capacity–Know the Difference and Feel the Relief

So many of us assume we can’t focus because we don’t have enough discipline, but I’ve found that the real issue is often depleted capacity. Discipline works like a muscle we can strengthen, but capacity depends on the deeper reserves of our nervous system - things like sleep, nutrition, emotions, and recovery. I like to ask myself: which one am I low on right now? And what happens if I try to push through without the fuel to back it up?
 
In this episode, I share how flow neuroscience and my own journey through burnout have shaped the way I think about discipline and capacity. I’ll walk you through simple strategies for both - steps that build momentum and restorative practices that bring your energy back - so you can pause and ask the right question before you push: is this a discipline problem, or a capacity problem?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why Focus Feels Harder Than Ever
02:19 Discipline vs. Capacity Explained  
03:55 Burnout as a Capacity Problem  
06:22 What Capacity Really Means  
07:25 Flow Cycle and Recovery  
07:58 How to Balance Discipline and Capacity  
10:07 Practical Strategies to Improve Discipline  
15:52 Practical Strategies to Improve Capacity  
24:43 The Balance That Prevents Burnout
 
Links
Shop
More about Dr. Raquel Martin, PhD
Purchase the infographic mentioned in this episode
Brainstorming Session
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

How to Make a Self-Regulating Menu to Invite More Flow

Burnout can sneak into every corner of life - your work, your relationships, even the way you show up as a parent! I call it “grief in the brain,” because it quietly drains energy and joy while convincing you that you’re not doing enough. The real shift comes when you stop chasing discipline and start building a framework that helps you feel steady and whole again.
 
In this episode, I share the idea of a flow menu, a tool I use with my mentees and in my own life. It’s a way to organize activities that restore balance into categories like movement, nourishment, play, thought, and peace. Having those choices ready gives you a lifeline when your mind feels cluttered or your body feels tense.
 
I’ll show you how to create your own flow menu and why it works as both a preventative and healing practice. My hope is that you walk away with a clear reminder that flourishing happens when you honor your energy and make small, intentional choices that support the life you want to live.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction and Human Nature
02:40 Understanding Burnout
05:52 Signs You Need a Flow Menu
08:53 What Is a Flow Menu
10:18 Flow Menu Categories
22:43 Importance of Self-Regulation
24:25 Questioning Urgency
25:01 Catalyst Question
 
Links
My insight timer profile
Catalyst Studio
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

How a Halloween Costume Helped Me Create Flow on Demand

I’ve come to believe that play and creativity can completely change the way we move through our days. For me, it started when I decided to bring Halloween back into my life and create a whimsical “crow lady” character, and that one spark of joy gave me more energy, focus, and flow than I’d felt in years. 
 
In this episode, I share how that experience opened my eyes to the bigger question of why joy matters so much in medicine and in life, and why so many of us, especially women in medicine and working moms, tend to abandon it. What would happen if you treated joy as a vital sign, right alongside sleep or nutrition? How might your days look if your calendar held space for wonder and curiosity, not just obligations? I’ll walk you through simple flow enhancers like gratitude, novelty, and embodiment, as well as the disruptors that scatter our attention. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to see play as a prescription for resilience and growth, and maybe even helps you reclaim your own sparks of joy.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction and Halloween Confession
03:34 Becoming the Crow Lady and Finding Flow
05:09 Glee and Creativity Boost Productivity
07:42 Self-Abandonment and the Need for Play
10:37 Play and Creativity as the Sixth Vital Sign
13:08 Flow Enhancers vs. Flow Disruptors
16:40 Practical Tools to Protect Your Flow
18:05 Catalyst Question on Gamifying Your Day
 
Links
Catalyst Archetype
Catalyst Advantage
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Design It Backwards: Let Life Lead Your Practice

Burnout began to lose its hold on me when I realized my practice should support my life instead of forcing my life to fit around my practice.
 
In this episode, I share a personal moment when the signs of burnout resurfaced as I was driving to care for my parents. That experience pushed me to look at how I had been structuring my days and reminded me that clear boundaries and intentional choices bring ease and clarity. You’ll also hear from my Catalyst community, clinicians who are designing careers that give them freedom, like taking summers off, choosing the patients they want to serve, and being present for family milestones. We also explore the doubts that so many of us face. Will others judge me for working less? Will my patients stay with me if I change how I practice? How do I know when I’ve done enough?
 
As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own answers. If your schedule reflected your values, what would look different? And what possibilities might open once you decide what “enough” means for you?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Redefining Medical Careers
02:33 Experiencing Burnout Again
05:28 Catalyst Success Stories
06:10 Benefits of the Membership Model
07:36 Epiphany on I-95
09:33 Common Barriers in Medical Practice
10:48 Redefining “Enough”
12:53 Protecting Your Yes
14:18 Catalyst Question: Designing Your Ideal Practice
15:52 The Real Reason We Are Here
 
Links
Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Catalyst Advantage Sessions
Archetype Quiz
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“What Can I Do That AI Can’t?” How to Make That Obvious in Every Patient Experience

AI is showing up everywhere in medicine, from symptom checkers to lab summaries, and I often hear clinicians wonder where that leaves us. 
 
In this episode, I share how I see technology as a helpful partner while holding firm to the truth that no algorithm can replace the trust, empathy, and presence our patients deserve. My own journey from burnout to building a practice rooted in connection has shown me that we carry a kind of medicine AI will never touch. Can a computer sit with someone in grief? Can it notice the subtle shift in tone or energy that tells you more than lab results ever could? I want you to think about how you bring your humanity into care, how you amplify the qualities that make your practice unique, and how AI might support rather than overshadow your role as a healer and entrepreneur.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 AI in Healthcare and Human Connection  
05:01 How Clinicians Use AI in Practice  
07:06 The Limitations of AI in Medicine  
09:30 Unique Human Abilities in Patient Care  
13:02 Translating Science Into Soul-Aligned Action  
16:14 Building a Human-Centered Practice  
20:31 Celebrating Patient Wins and Progress  
26:06 Catalyst Question: What AI Can’t Do in Medicine  
 
Links
The Catalyst Studio
 
Episodes about AI:
Episode 57: ChatGPT For Health and Wellness Content Marketing
Episode 58: Providers Regaining Their Time and Sanity With the Help of Virtual Scribes and Virtual Assistants
Episode 106: The Future of Charting With AI – Dr. Lara Salyer
 
Episodes about creating a welcoming atmosphere:
Episode 46: Front Office Makeover With the Aha! Method
Episode 104: Making Your Practice a Holistic Office
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What Happens When Friction Finds You? (How to Use Discomfort as a Guide to Evolve)

Friction in a practice can feel uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that those moments often point to where the real growth is waiting to happen.
 
In this episode, I share how resistance can strengthen Membership models and create deeper healing in integrative medicine. As a physician turned entrepreneur and mentor, I’ve faced the same challenges many of you have – explaining the value of membership to patients, setting boundaries around pricing and re-enrollment, and sitting with the hard truths that surface when people start making real changes in their lives. I often ask myself: am I letting discomfort guide me toward clarity, or am I avoiding the lessons that could make my practice stronger?
 
I also talk about the invisible side of integrative medicine, the kind of healing that happens when we listen fully, when we hold space, when we help patients reshape the stories they carry about their health. How often do we dismiss that work simply because it doesn’t come with lab results or a protocol? Through stories from my Catalyst Studio masterminds, I’ll show you how leaning into friction can help you grow as an entrepreneur while giving your patients the support they need to truly transform.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Membership Models
01:39 Friction as Fuel for Growth
05:50 Overcoming Initial Friction in Membership Models
08:01 The Value of Membership in Integrative Medicine
08:44 Sacred Moments with Patients
11:26 Financial Friction and Charging for Services
16:03 Setting Boundaries Around Re-enrollment
18:50 Using a Gratitude Folder for Difficult Days
20:57 Internal Friction and the Feeling of Coasting
24:00 Embracing Friction for Growth
 
Links
Brainstorm Session
Archetype Quiz
Shop
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Make a Nope List and Watch Your Energy Soar

The simplest act of self-care? Saying no. It protects your time, preserves your energy, and keeps your productivity focused on what matters most.
 
In this episode, I’m talking about the “nope list,” a simple but powerful way to guard your time, energy, and attention. I’ll share why women in medicine are especially prone to overcommitting, how chronic yeses chip away at intuition, and why naming your no’s can be as game-changing as chasing your yeses. You’ll hear stories from my own life (including why a hot air balloon ride will never make my bucket list) and real examples from women in my Catalyst Studio who’ve traded guilt for boundaries, whether it’s declining misaligned patients, skipping unnecessary speaking gigs, or refusing to double-book their schedules.
 
If you’ve been stretching yourself thin in the name of getting it all done, this episode will show you how a simple shift can free up your time, boost your productivity, and give your self-care the priority it deserves.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Fantasy of Saying No
00:33 Creating Your Nope List
02:30 Recognizing Your Inner Nope
02:52 Burnout in Women Physicians
05:24 Why a Nope List Protects Your Energy
07:13 Neuroscience of Intuition and Boundaries
09:20 Real-Life Examples of Saying No
12:09 Avoiding Schedule Overload
14:04 Aligning Your Life with the Nope List
16:04 Catalyst Question and Takeaway
 
Links
Choose Your Gift
Catalyst Studio™ Mentorship
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Vinny’s 3 Steps to Transform Jitters Into Joy

Have you ever stood at the edge of a big decision and wondered if what you’re feeling is fear holding you back or excitement nudging you forward? I’ve been there more times than I can count. What I’ve learned is that the difference between dread and a breakthrough isn’t always in the situation. It’s in how we choose to frame it.
 
I’m sharing how I navigate those pivotal moments by listening to my body and reframing fear into curiosity and creativity. I’ll tell you the story of Vinny, my colorful mannequin who has been my silent coworker through every twist in my practice, and how he became a symbol for embracing play, even when things felt uncertain. I’ll also walk you through the three-step ritual I use to turn fear into fuel so you can approach transitions with clarity, energy, and a little bit of fun. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in hesitation, this episode will give you a new way to understand what your body is telling you and how to move forward with confidence.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:32 Navigating Big Decisions and Transitions
01:06 The Story of Vinny and Embracing Change
02:34 Fear or Excitement? The Neuroscience of Norepinephrine
06:24 Harvard Study: How Saying “I’m Excited” Boosts Performance
08:32 The Three-Step Ritual to Reframe Fear
12:16 Choosing Play Over Panic in Business
14:52 A Catalyst Question for Your Next Transition
 
Links
Archetype Quiz
Right Brain Rescue Book
Brainstorm Session
Catalyst Advantage Session 
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website
The Catalyst Way
Instagram 
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
TikTok
 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Triggered? Good. Then listen to this.

Triggers can feel inconvenient, even overwhelming, but I’ve come to see them as powerful clues pointing toward something deeper we need to notice.
 
In this episode, I’m sharing how emotional triggers can actually help us grow, especially as women in medicine try to find more grounding, clarity, and sustainable productivity. I’ll walk you through what’s happening in the brain during those reactive moments and offer some ways to pause, get curious, and shift the pattern.
 
Have you ever found yourself overcommitting or people-pleasing just to feel seen? Are there situations that reliably throw you off your game? I’ll introduce you to the Catalyst Archetypes, which are tools I use with my clients to better understand their nervous system responses and where their biggest growth edges are.
 
Self-care isn’t always pretty or convenient. Sometimes it’s the quiet work of paying attention to what’s underneath our habits. What might change if you gave yourself a little more space to feel before reacting? What could productivity look like if it came from a place of alignment rather than pressure?
 
Let’s explore that together!
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 How Everyday Triggers Reveal Deeper Patterns
01:29 Using Food Cravings to Understand Emotional Reactivity
03:39 What the Limbic System Can Teach Us About Self-Regulation
05:03 The Power of Sitting with Discomfort
11:05 How to Pause Before Reacting and Rewire Your Response
14:30 Catalyst Archetypes: Recognizing Your Default Patterns
15:01 Fervent Flame, Wise Wind, Reflective River, and Resolute Rock Explained
19:58 Turning Triggers into Tools for Grounded Self-Care
21:11 Your Catalyst Question: What Are You Avoiding?
 
Links
Brainstorm Session: https://drlarasalyer.as.me/discovery 
Catalyst Studio™ Mentorship: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#studio
 
Connect with Lara: 
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
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 HiveCast.fm

Creating Your Inner Medicine Bag: Tools for Thriving in Life and Medicine

Your productivity isn’t powered by hustle but by the deeply personal tools you carry in your inner medicine bag.
 
What helps you feel grounded when everything feels chaotic? What small rituals or comforts help you reset and keep showing up? In this episode, I’m sharing the idea of the inner medicine bag, a collection of items, habits, and practices that support your well-being in ways no planner or productivity hack ever could. I’ll walk you through how mine has changed over the years, from med school to motherhood to where I am now, and how those shifts reflect the different seasons of life.
 
I’ll also introduce you to the four Catalyst Archetypes (Reflective River, Fervent Flame, Wise Wind, and Resolute Rock) and offer insights into the unique tools each one can lean on to stay grounded, clear, and connected to what really matters. Whether your version includes a playlist, a sticky note, a favorite tea, or something beautifully unexpected, my hope is that this episode gets you thinking about what truly helps you thrive and why giving yourself permission to honor those things matters more than checking another box on your to-do list.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 What Is an Inner Medicine Bag and Why It Matters
03:01 How Your Inner Medicine Bag Evolves Through Life Stages
08:44 Introduction to the Four Catalyst Archetypes
09:04 Reflective River: Tools for Emotional Grounding
11:23 Fervent Flame: Rituals for Energy and Focus
14:14 Wise Wind: Grounding Practices for Visionaries
17:16 Resolute Rock: Finding Lightness and Joy in Structure
20:30 Reframing Self-Care and Creativity as Essential, Not Optional
21:15 Catalyst Question: What Do You Truly Need to Thrive?
 
Links
Catalyst Archetype Quiz: https://3nb09zv7070.typeform.com/archetype 
Catalyst Advantage: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst/#Advantage 
"What Kind of Healer Are You"? https://drlarasalyer.com/2024/11/01/episode-136-what-kind-of-healer-are-you-how-to-evolve-your-unique-self-expression/
 
Connect with Dr. Lara Salyer:
Website: https://drlarasalyer.com
The Catalyst Way: https://drlarasalyer.com/catalyst
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 HiveCast.fm