I AM Well, MD

Episode 48 - Improving Healthcare Together with Tenay Benes

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/fan_mail/new] This episode features Tenay Benes, speaker, author, intelligence officer, and healthcare innovator, who shares her lived experience navigating trauma, military service, psychiatric injury, chronic illness, and ultimately, systemic reform. Together, we unpack: * Why complex illness exposes the cracks in our healthcare system * How information asymmetry disempowers patients * Why physicians are experiencing moral injury at alarming rates * The stigma surrounding behavioral health among clinicians and the military * And how collaborative, coordinated care may be the path forward Tenay's health collapse later forced her into a profound healing journey, one that required navigating a fragmented system, challenging evidence gatekeeping, and ultimately integrating biological, psychological, and spiritual care. In this expansive and deeply honest conversation, we examine the structural strain points of modern healthcare and what it will take to build something better. About Tenay Benes: Tenay Benes is a Speaker, podcaster, blogger, and author who helps people and organizations win the war on complex illness. Along with her husband, Brett Benes, she is building a movement to transform the health, wellness, and human services space by applying the lessons she learned in her own complex illness healing journey, in her career as an intelligence officer, and in her experience as an impactpreneur. She has a bachelors in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, a masters of business administration in entrepreneurship and consulting from the College of William & Mary, and an in progress masters in information science at the University of Colorado Boulder. Tenay can be found at tenaybenes.com. [http://tenaybenes.com/]Discover her book “Heal or Die: A True Story of Trauma, Complex Illness, and Unexpected Help” at ihearthevoice.com. [http://ihearthevoice.com/]Join the war against complex illness at benescompanies.com [http://benescompanies.com/]. The article Tenay referenced during the conversation:  “Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial” https://wellbeingjournal.com/product/july-august-2025/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/support] Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings. Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com [http://iamwellmd.com]. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact [http://iamwellmd.com/contact].   Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamwell_md/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/santisree-tanikella-md-faap-abihm-aboim-4815372a/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/] Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider. The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

Episode 47: Relational Health across the Lifespan with Dr. Debbie Raphael

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/fan_mail/new] In this episode of I AM Well MD, we explore relational health across the full lifespan with Psychiatrist, Dr. Debbie Raphael. From early childhood through adulthood and into aging, this conversation unpacks how attachment, autonomy, validation, and repair shape our most important relationships. Dr. Raphael shares practical insights on parenting through developmental stages, navigating adolescent pushback, maintaining strong connections with adult children, and supporting aging parents through role transitions. This episode emphasizes that while relationships evolve, the foundational need for safety, understanding, and repair remains constant. Key Topics Discussed: * Why allowing children appropriate control builds cooperation and trust * Validation as a core parenting skill (especially during conflict) * Navigating teenage “tantrums” without losing the parent role * Secure attachment, autonomy, and being a “safe base” * Reframing children’s closeness as a sign of healthy attachment * Being okay with being “taken for granted” as children mature * Maintaining connection with adult children without over-directing * Repair, apology, and humility as relationship-strengthening tools * Adult children and aging parents: role reversal, generativity, and care Guest Bio: Dr. Debbie Raphael is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist with extensive clinical experience working with children, parents, and families. Her work focuses on attachment, reflective functioning, emotional development, and relational health across the lifespan. She is active on LinkedIn and can also be reached through her website. Where to Find Dr. Debbie Raphael: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-raphael-m-d-89852014b/] * Website [http://debbieraphael.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/support] Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings. Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com [http://iamwellmd.com]. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact [http://iamwellmd.com/contact].   Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamwell_md/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/santisree-tanikella-md-faap-abihm-aboim-4815372a/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/] Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider. The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

Episode 46: Environmental Health with Dr. Aly Cohen

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/fan_mail/new] We’re joined by Dr. Aly Cohen, a nationally recognized expert in environmental health and integrative rheumatology. Dr. Cohen helps us unpack what “toxins” actually are, how everyday chemical exposures affect the immune and endocrine systems, and why vulnerable stages like pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence matter so much. Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cohen explains how regulatory gaps in the U.S. allow harmful chemicals into our homes, food, water, and personal care products, and most importantly, what we can realistically do to protect ourselves and our families. This conversation moves beyond fear and into practical, science-based prevention. What We Cover in This Episode: * What toxic chemicals are and why they matter for human health * Why pregnancy and early development are critical windows of vulnerability * Why most chemicals in the U.S. are not adequately tested for safety * How household and personal care products can disrupt hormones and immunity * The 4 A’s of Environmental Health Management * How to choose safer baby products, skin care products, cosmetics, and household items About Dr. Aly Cohen: Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician with national recognition for her work in environmental health, disease prevention, and medical education. She is the author of Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them and co-author of Non-Toxic: Guide to Living Healthy in a Chemical World. Dr. Cohen is the founder of TheSmartHuman.com, lectures nationally, serves as a legal medical expert for toxic exposure cases, and has received numerous awards including Top Docs NJ (2016–2025) and the Burton L. Eichler Award for Humanitarianism. Connect with Dr. Cohen: * Website: TheSmartHuman.com [https://thesmarthuman.com/] * Social Media: @TheSmartHuman Additional resources: Environmental Working Group [https://www.ewg.org/] Clearya [https://www.clearya.com/] Yuka [https://yuka.io/en/] https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoprWAQnpnaDHCUrHmuCCAyv0Qz5vwDaU77_irV-3csdlK5lB57f Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/support] Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings. Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com [http://iamwellmd.com]. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact [http://iamwellmd.com/contact].   Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamwell_md/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/santisree-tanikella-md-faap-abihm-aboim-4815372a/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/] Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider. The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

Episode 45: How to be Bold with Dr. Ranjay Gulati

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/fan_mail/new] What does it really mean to be bold  not performatively, but existentially? In this powerful episode of The I AM Well MD Podcast, Dr. Santi Tanikella sits down with Dr. Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School professor and author of How to Be Bold, to explore the inner work required to live and lead with courage in a world that often rewards safety, conformity, and silence. Rather than framing boldness as risk-taking for its own sake, Ranjay invites us to see boldness as alignment, the willingness to act from purpose even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or costly. Together, we explore: * Why so many high-achievers feel successful yet internally constrained * How boldness is built through self-trust, not bravado * What it takes to step off autopilot and into intentional living * How purpose becomes a stabilizing force during uncertainty and change This episode is for anyone who has ever felt a nudge toward something more and hesitated. About Dr. Ranjay Gulati: Dr. Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the author of Deep Purpose and How to Be Bold. His work focuses on unlocking individual and organizational potential through courage, clarity, and purpose-driven leadership. You can find him at ranjaygulati.com [https://ranjaygulati.com/] and on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjay-gulati/]. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/support] Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings. Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com [http://iamwellmd.com]. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact [http://iamwellmd.com/contact].   Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamwell_md/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/santisree-tanikella-md-faap-abihm-aboim-4815372a/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/] Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider. The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.

Episode 44: The Domino Effect of Co-Regulation with Lisa Danahy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/fan_mail/new] What if the calm you cultivate could ripple out to every person you encounter? In this episode, Dr. Santi Tanikella MD sits down with Lisa Danahy, an educator, yoga therapist, and founder of Create Calm, whose work has transformed classrooms, communities, and families across America. Lisa talks about the “domino effect of co-regulation” -  the way one person’s regulated nervous system can influence the emotional balance of an entire group, and how this can be the key to collective healing. Together, they explore: * How a single act of grounded presence can shift chaotic environments into calm connection. * The unseen impact educators and leaders have on emotional culture. * Why self-regulation isn’t enough and how co-regulation teaches us to heal together. * Practical steps to bring these lessons into classrooms, workplaces, and homes. This conversation isn’t just about calm, it’s about reclaiming connection in a world that often forgets how much we need each other to feel safe. Resources: * Weaver LL, Darragh AR. Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions for Anxiety Reduction Among Children and Adolescents. Am J Occup Ther. 2015;69(6):6906180070p1-9. * Sibinga EM, Webb L, Ghazarian SR, et al. School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT. Pediatrics. 2016;137(1):e20152532 Connect with Lisa Danahy:  🌐 www.CreateCalm.org [https://www.createcalm.org] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/create_calm_yoga] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadanahy] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/INAwellness] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282681/support] Dr. Tanikella practices General Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, and is an expert in Mind-Body medicine. She has traveled the world to learn more about the intersection where mind, body, health, personal beliefs, and motivation meet. She is founder and CEO of Integrative Approaches to Mastering Wellness, where she brings the wisdom of mind body medicine and the power of life coaching together to help her clients break through their glass ceilings. Learn more and join our email list at iamwellmd.com [http://iamwellmd.com]. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact [http://iamwellmd.com/contact].   Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamwell_md/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/santisree-tanikella-md-faap-abihm-aboim-4815372a/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/] Disclaimer: The information shared on the I AM Well MD Podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your personal medical provider. The views expressed by me are my own and do not reflect those of my guests, employers, or affiliated institutions. The views of any guest do not represent my personal or professional opinions. The content shared on this podcast is intended to inspire thoughtful reflection, not to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.