Ep104: Retire Often: How Mini-Retirements Can Supercharge Your Life and Career
Welcome back to Finding Financial Freedom with Dr. Disha Spath! In today’s episode, we’re reimagining the traditional path to retirement with the powerful idea of mini-retirements. Instead of waiting decades to enjoy your life, what if you could take intentional breaks throughout your career to recharge, pivot, and pursue passions? Dr. Disha is joined by Jillian Johnsrud, a trailblazer in the mini-retirement movement. By age 40, Jillian had taken more than a dozen breaks, traveled to 27 countries, adopted four children, and built a life of freedom through intentional living and smart financial strategies. Together, they explore how you can take time off—without blowing up your career or finances. Key Topics Covered: 1. From Burnout to Mini-Retirement How Jillian embedded financial independence into her lifestyle early on. 2. Designing Intentional Breaks Different “phases” of mini-retirements—and how each one serves a purpose. 3. Making It Work with Your Career Why even high-demand professionals (like physicians) can take sabbaticals. 4. Affording the Life You Want How much a mini-retirement actually costs—and how to plan for it. 5. Figuring Out How to Pull from Investments Planning your withdrawal strategy while staying financially independent. 6. Organizing Your Work So It's Not a Detriment but a Value Add How to organize your work and life to find balance Listener Takeaways: You don’t have to wait until 65 to start living your dream life. Mini-retirements are not only possible—they can be career-enhancing. Sabbaticals are realistic for both employed and self-employed professionals. With the right mindset and financial strategy, anyone can afford a break. Resources Mentioned: Website: https://retireoften.com/ Retire Often Book: https://retireoften.com/book/ Book Purchasing Link: https://lnk.to/retireoften Free Opt-In Worksheets: Planning: https://retireoften.com/mini/ Negotiating: https://retireoften.com/onemonth/ Workbook: https://retireoften.com/workbook/ Group Coaching: https://retireoften.com/group-coaching/ Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianjohnsrud/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillianJohnsrud/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-johnsrud/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JillianJohnsrud Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Follow Dr. Jillian on LinkedIn
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Ep103: How to Build a Profitable Direct Primary Care Practice Without Burnout with Dr. Una of EntreMD
In this episode of the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast, Dr. Disha Spath is joined by powerhouse physician entrepreneur Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, also known as Dr. Una—board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author, and founder of EntreMD. Dr. Una built a seven-figure business while practicing medicine and raising four children—and now she’s on a mission to help 100,000 physicians do the same. Through her groundbreaking EntreMD Business School and top-ranked podcast, she’s changing the narrative around what's possible for doctors beyond the clinic. This conversation unpacks the mindset, strategy, and vision behind her journey from overwhelmed clinician to CEO. Dr. Una shares how physicians can build profitable businesses, master leadership, and take ownership of their time, income, and purpose—without sacrificing their calling. Key Topics Covered: 1. From Medicine to Mission How Dr. Una’s journey began with a love for medicine—and a desire for more freedom. The financial turning points that opened the door to entrepreneurship. 2. Becoming the CEO of Your Life Why most physicians aren’t trained to think like business owners—and how to change that. 3. The Mindset Shift The limiting beliefs physicians carry—and the mental reprogramming needed to succeed in business. 4. Making Success Inevitable Identifying your “why” and the strategy behind building a business that grows with you. What she teaches inside the EntreMD Business School makes results repeatable. 5. The DPC Model Explained What is Direct Primary Care and how does it create freedom for physicians and patients alike? How Dr. Una built her practice around access, care, and boundaries. 6. Creating Boundaries While Building Trust The art of saying “no” and still attracting your dream patients (and clients). How Dr. Una balances business, medicine, and motherhood. 7. Her Personal Practice Story What building her own practice taught her about entrepreneurship—and herself. How her experience shaped EntreMD and its mission to reach 100,000 physician entrepreneurs. Listener Takeaways: Why physicians are uniquely positioned to be entrepreneurs How to create a business aligned with your values and lifestyle goals How to balance purpose, profit, and peace on your journey to financial freedom Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Dr. Nneka Unachukwu or Dr. Una
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Ep102: Getting Sued as a Doctor: Malpractice Lawsuits, Legal Strategy & Expert witness work with Dr. Stephen Cohen
Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. Today’s episode features a powerful and insightful conversation with Dr. Stephen Cohen—a seasoned physician and educator who’s been through the highs and lows of a medical career, including facing legal challenges head-on. In this episode, we go deep into what it really means to be a doctor under legal fire. Dr. Cohen shares hard-earned wisdom on handling lawsuits, building emotional resilience, and maintaining clarity under pressure. This conversation is both grounding and empowering for every physician who fears or is currently facing litigation. Key Topics Covered: 1. How to Emotionally Navigate a Lawsuit The emotional toll of being sued—and why it mirrors the five stages of grief. How to move from panic and shame to growth and acceptance. 2. Practical Tips for Physicians Facing Legal Action The power of community, mentorship, and legal education. What to do first when you’re served with a lawsuit. 3. Supervision and Liability What physicians in leadership roles need to know about autonomy and responsibility. How to protect yourself legally when overseeing others. 4. Becoming a Resilient Physician How to stay grounded when your identity feels shaken by legal or professional setbacks. Listener Takeaways: How to reframe lawsuits as part of the medical journey—not a personal failure. Why it’s crucial to separate your worth from your wins and losses in court. How to build legal literacy and emotional resilience early in your career. Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician Guest: Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA If you're a physician striving for more than just financial security—if you're seeking joy, alignment, and meaning—this episode is your roadmap.
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Ep101: Does Money Buy Happiness?..with Dr. Elisa Chiang
“Can money really buy happiness, or just comfort?” Let’s find out in today’s episode. Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. In this episode, we're doing something special—a collaborative episode with Dr. Elisa Chiang, host of the Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast. Dr. Elisa is a practicing oculoplastic surgeon, certified life coach, and founder of Grow Your Wealthy Mindset, where she empowers physicians to take control of their finances and live with intention. In this joint episode, we dive deep into the intersection of money, happiness, and intentional living. Together, we explore how financial wellness supports happiness—but why it's not the whole picture. From personal insights on spending habits to reflections on physician burnout and values-driven choices, this conversation unpacks what it truly means to live a wealthy life—and find financial independence as physicians. Key Topics Covered: 1. Does Money Buy Happiness?Why money contributes to happiness—but doesn’t guarantee it. 2. Value-Based Spending How aligning your spending with your values brings more satisfaction. When purchases become liabilities—emotionally and financially. 3. Physician Wellness for Doctors The pressure to “upgrade” lifestyle post-training and finding the path to financial wellness. 4. Trading Time for Money (Is It Worth It?) Why more income doesn’t always mean more happiness. How to eliminate lifestyle inflation and regain control of your finances. 5. Money and Happiness Why achieving happiness as a physician requires active, ongoing work. How coaching and self-reflection can lead to real balance. Listener Takeaways: How to align money with your definition of a meaningful life. Why physicians often tie self-worth to income—and how to break free. Practical ways to build happiness into your financial journey. How to stop trading time for money and start living intentionally. Resources Mentioned: GrowYourWealthyMindset.com The Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast Follow Dr. Elisa Chiang: Instagram: @GrowYourWealthyMindset instagram Facebook: ElisaChiang About the Co-Host: Dr. Elisa Chiang is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, life coach, and host of the Grow Your Wealthy Mindset Podcast. She helps physicians take charge of their money and mindset to build a life of purpose, balance, and true wealth. Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician If you're a physician striving for more than just financial security—if you're seeking joy, alignment, and meaning—this episode is your roadmap.
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Ep100: 100th Episode Special: From Burnout to New Beginnings – Why I’m Starting a DPC Practice
Welcome back to the Finding Financial Freedom Podcast with Dr. Disha Spath. Today, we’re celebrating a major milestone—our 100th episode! In this special edition, Dr. Disha is joined by her husband and guest host, Josh, for a heartfelt conversation that traces her journey from burnout to bold new beginnings—including why she’s launching her very own Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice. From wild adventures in the Amazon to the decision to leave traditional practice behind, Disha opens up about the pivotal life moments that shaped her medical path and her renewed commitment to building a career—and life—that aligns with her values. Key Topics Covered: 1. What Sparked the Calling to Medicine Disha’s earliest motivations for becoming a doctor—and how those roots evolved. 2. Camping in the Amazon How an outdoor expedition became a transformative experience. 3. Medical School and Major Life Events Navigating med school while facing personal and professional challenges. 4. Falling in Love with the Outdoors How reconnecting with nature shifted her priorities and fueled change. 5. Financial Reset with Josh What it took for Disha and Josh to get on the same page financially. 6. The Burnout That Changed Everything Recognizing the toll of traditional medicine—and deciding to do things differently. 7. Why She’s Starting a DPC Practice What a Direct Primary Care model offers—and why this is her next chapter. 8. Keep the Frugal Physician GoingStarting a DPC while managing the Frugal Physician and Finding Financial Freedom Podcast Listener Takeaways: The importance of aligning your work with your values. How to recognize and recover from physician burnout. Steps to reset your financial life as a couple. Why DPC may be the solution for doctors seeking autonomy and purpose. What it really looks like to pivot mid-career—with courage and clarity. Connect with Us: Host: Dr. Disha Spath, The Frugal Physician If you're a physician looking to take control of your career, finances, and future, this episode is a must-listen! This episode is also sponsored by Set for Life Insurance – Providing more than just insurance policies—they deliver personalized coverage and expert guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for life, disability, or long-term care insurance, their team ensures you get the best protection at the most cost-effective rates. With priority underwriting, special discounts, and access to top-rated insurers, they make securing your future simple and stress-free. Take the next step in protecting what matters most. Visit setforlifeinsurance.com or call 1-888-553-3559 today.
About Finding Financial Freedom with The Frugal Physician - Finance, Wellness, Budget, Student Loans, Wealth, Doctor, Fitness, Money
Financial Freedom and Peace of Mind. For all of us.
A podcast by The Frugal Physician for healthcare professionals looking to get their financial house in order and design their ideal lives.
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