logo
episode-header-image
Jun 22
40m 23s

262. Standing Tall in Surgery: Finding F...

Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang
About this episode

Have ever felt like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong, especially in medicine? 

Honoring your truth, even in a high-intensity field like neurosurgery, can lead to deep healing, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

An intimate and courageous conversation with Dr. Jenny Kang, a neurosurgeon who shares her inspiring story of transformation—one that challenges traditional definitions of success and fulfillment in medicine, particularly for women in surgery. 

Jenny and I first connected when she came to a Pause & Presence retreat over a year ago. Since then, she has reconnected with herself, her family, and created a life she loves. 

Her story is one of coming home to yourself and standing tall once you get there, even if you work in operating rooms built for much taller people.

Pearls of Wisdom:

  • You don’t have to do it the way you were told or even the way you once believed you should. There are many ways to practice medicine with meaning.

  • When women physicians live aligned lives, they bring healing into medicine and themselves. Fulfillment in your career and personal life is not only possible, it’s necessary.

  • Shame often arises when you do things differently in medicine. It doesn't mean you have done something wrong.

  • Creating a life that works for you takes courage, creativity, and compassion—and it’s always worth it.

  • When you let go of the belief that you don’t belong and instead decide that you do, everything begins to shift.

Reflection Questions:

  • Where in your life are you living by someone else's mold or definition of success?

  • What would change if you decided you belonged?

  • What parts of your life have you labeled “indulgent” that might actually be essential for your healing and wholeness?

If you're ready to design a fulfilling life that fits who you are, I invite you to explore coaching with me at www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching. Or join me on a retreat like Jenny did, www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats.

If you're seeking a speaker or workshop leader for your organization or event, visit www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking

To bring Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang to your audience, visit www.awakenbreath.org.

Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.

 

Up next
Aug 3
268. Yoga as Medicine: Rewiring Pain, Stress, and the Nervous System
I am beyond delighted to share this beautiful conversation with Diana May, the yoga teacher who first taught me how to teach yoga. If you’ve ever practiced yoga with me, you, too, have been touched by Diana’s powerful, nurturing teachings. In this rich and heartfelt episode, we e ... Show More
50m 52s
Jul 27
267. Replace Expectations with Intentions: Birthday Reflections on Aging Softly, Living Intentionally (and Fertility)
“Aging isn't just about getting older; it's about growing more evolved each day. More nuanced, more enriched. More beautiful. More ourselves” - Emily Dickinson How do we age with softness? How do we approach a birthday—or a fertility milestone—with compassion instead of judgment? ... Show More
53m 2s
Jul 20
266. Why Can't They? The High Cost of Resisting Reality and How to Reclaim Peace
Have you ever found yourself asking, Why can’t they just…? or Why are they doing this to me? These questions often swirl through our minds during frustrating moments on the road, at work, in our relationships, or even in response to news headlines and legislation. They come with ... Show More
37m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 17
How To Reconnect With Your True Self & Live With Purpose with Kirsty Gallagher #565
Many of us are so busy keeping up with life, that we forget to check in with ourselves. We follow the rules, meet expectations and strive for success – yet still feel disconnected, stuck or unfulfilled. True purpose can feel elusive, like something we’re always searching for but ... Show More
2 h
Jun 2024
Finding Your Purpose at Any Age: Life Lessons from 103-Year-Old Dr Gladys McGarey #460
At the age of 103, not only is today’s guest the oldest I’ve ever welcomed onto my podcast, but she’s also the oldest returning guest, too! Dr Gladys McGarey is the co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Association and the author of the fantastic book The Well-Lived Life: A ... Show More
1h 33m
Dec 2024
The Science of Biohacking: Unlocking Energy, Health, and Longevity | Ep64
What if you could turn back the clock on aging, heal emotional wounds, and unlock boundless energy—all through science? That’s what Dave Asprey, the Father of Biohacking, has dedicated his life to exploring. In this conversation, he shares how simple shifts in your body and mind ... Show More
57m 5s
Dec 2023
#291 - Heal The Hurting Parts of Your Life More Rapidly
In this episode, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy talks about how embarking on a personal development journey can often feel like an endless pursuit of betterment, with each new year bringing its own set of resolutions and goals aimed at fixing what we perceive as broken within ourselves. Bu ... Show More
22m 1s
Jan 2025
EP 485: Getting Over a Massive Expectation Hangover with Aubrea
In this heartfelt and transformative episode, Christine Hassler coaches Aubrea, who opens up about facing significant life challenges all at once. Aubrea shares her journey of navigating a job loss, the end of a long-term relationship, fertility struggles, and the passing of her ... Show More
29m 16s
Jun 9
Rediscovering Fitness: Shame, Grief & Learning to Love Your Body with Dr. Diana Hill
Exercise isn't just another thing on your to-do list – it's a chance to enjoy moving and connect with your amazing body. Join Dr. Diana Hill for a warm and insightful conversation about self-compassion, breaking free from strict workout plans, and rediscovering the joy of movemen ... Show More
57m 52s
Jan 2025
Gabby Bernstein : Self Help This Is Your Chance to Change Your Life
What does real healing look like, and how can we start today? In this episode of A Really Good Cry, I’m chatting with the incredible Gabby Bernstein—spiritual teacher, author, and someone who’s turned her own pain into purpose. Gabby shares her inspiring journey from addiction an ... Show More
55m 16s
Apr 2025
The Midlife Makeover: Redefining Success and Happiness After 40 with Chip Conley
In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity ... Show More
45m 44s
Feb 2025
277. Let's talk about birthday anxiety
I'm turning 25! Here are all my thoughts and feelings about ageing, dealing with expectations around birthdays, loneliness, the pressure to have fun and a much needed mindset shift towards growing older. I also discuss my GO TO birthday routine that brings me peace, growth and cl ... Show More
31m 59s
May 26
Small Menopausal Rituals from the Timeless Science of Ayurveda with Dr. Nidhi Pandya
Ready to explore a gentler journey through perimenopause and menopause? Join us as we welcome the wonderful Dr. Nidhi Pandya! Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, Nidhi unveils her Inner Climate Method, sharing simple yet powerful practices to help you navigate hormonal ... Show More
1h 1m