PRESCRIBING POSSIBILITY

Rediscovering Awe Through the Arts with Elizabeth Sobol

What happens when you dedicate your life to something you love… and then one day, you can no longer feel it? In this deeply human and unexpectedly moving conversation, I sit down with Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, for a conversation that transcends music, leadership, and career paths. This is a conversation about disconnection, burnout, awe, and what it means to come back to yourself. Elizabeth shares her journey from a childhood steeped in storytelling and song in rural North Carolina to a high-powered career in New York City’s classical music world, eventually rising to Managing Director at IMG and later President of a label at Universal Music. But beneath the success, something quietly unraveled. She found herself sitting in concert halls, surrounded by extraordinary music… and feeling nothing. What unfolds is an honest exploration of burnout before we had language for it, the cost of chronic stress and disembodied work, and the quiet crisis of losing connection to what once made you feel alive. Together, Dympna and Elizabeth explore: * The early roots of awe, wonder, and creativity and why they matter more than we realize * The unseen emotional labor of caregiving roles beyond medicine * Burnout as a physiological and relational experience * Why live, communal experiences (like music and dance) are biologically regulating * The concept of “entrainment” and how shared experiences sync our nervous systems * The difference between consuming life… and actually feeling it * How a surprising “retirement” call changed everything and led Elizabeth back to meaning About Elizabeth Sobol Elizabeth Sobol is the CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), where she has reimagined what a performing arts institution can be in the modern era. During her tenure, she has transformed SPAC into a year-round cultural destination, expanding programming across culinary, literary, healing, and visual arts, while dramatically increasing access through education initiatives that now serve tens of thousands annually. She also led the creation of the SPAC School of the Arts and major campus renovations designed to deepen community connection and accessibility. Before SPAC, Elizabeth held leadership roles at some of the most influential organizations in the arts, including serving as President & CEO of Universal Music Classics and Managing Director of IMG Artists, where she worked with world-renowned artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Renée Fleming, and Joshua Bell. Her career has spanned artist management, music production, and cultural leadership—but at its core has always been about one thing: bringing people into deeper connection with art, with each other, and with themselves. Connect with SPAC 🌐 Website: https://spac.org [https://spac.org]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacsaratoga [https://www.instagram.com/spacsaratoga]📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPACSaratoga [https://www.facebook.com/SPACSaratoga] You can reach me at podcast@dympnaweil.com [podcast@dympnaweil.com] Website https://www.dympnaweil.com [https://www.dympnaweil.com] Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

How Can Tapping Transform Your Wellbeing? Insights from EFT Expert, Jessica Ortner [REBROADCAST]

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety, as if the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Join Dr. Dympna Weil in a heartfelt conversation with Jessica Ortner, co-creator of The Tapping Solution and a New York Times bestselling author, as they explore the transformative practice of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Jessica shares, “Tapping is not just a technique; it’s a pathway to self-discovery and healing,” highlighting how this simple yet profound method can unlock the door to emotional well-being. In this enlightening episode of Prescribing Possibility, we delve deep into the world of tapping, uncovering its roots in the groundbreaking work of Dr. Roger Callahan. Jessica recounts her personal journey, revealing how EFT helped her navigate through profound anxiety during one of life’s most challenging periods. Together, they discuss the science behind tapping and its applications in modern stress management, offering insights into how this technique can serve as a vital tool for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone facing the daily chaos of life. Join us in this reflective dialogue that not only sheds light on the healing power of EFT but also encourages bold growth and clarity in the face of adversity. Discover how simple practices can lead to significant shifts in mental health awareness and emotional well-being, allowing you to navigate chaos with grace and resilience. This episode is an invitation to embrace the possibility of a harmonious life, where wellness support is within reach, and self-discovery is celebrated. Tune in and let’s embark on this healing conversation together! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Re-Air Special: Mental Health Awareness Month for Healthcare Workers Featuring Dr. Stephanie Simmons, CMO, Dr. Lorna B

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're bringing back one of our most important conversations — and it's just as urgent today as when we first aired it. In this episode, host Dr. Dympna Weil sits down with Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation, to tackle a challenge hiding in plain sight: the mental health crisis among the very people who care for us. Healthcare workers face extraordinary emotional demands — yet too many hesitate to seek help, fearing it could cost them their careers. Dr. Simmons shares how the Foundation is working to change that, from building more supportive workplace cultures to eliminating stigmatizing language embedded in medical licensing requirements. In this episode, you'll hear about: * The mission and advocacy work of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation * How licensing language creates real barriers to care-seeking * The personal stories that are driving systemic change * Why seeking mental health support is a sign of strength — not weakness * What healthcare organizations can do right now to foster a culture of care This conversation is a reminder that protecting the well-being of healthcare workers isn't just a compassionate goal — it's a patient safety issue. 🌱 This Mental Health Awareness Month, share this episode with a colleague, a friend in healthcare, or anyone who needs to hear that asking for help is an act of courage. Thanks for listening. Your support means everything - so if you are moved to, please leave me a review and share this episode with a friend who may need the messages held here. Don't be a stranger. You can reach me at podcast@dympnaweil.com [podcast@dympnaweil.com] Website https://www.dympnaweil.com [https://www.dympnaweil.com] Substack (or other newsletter) https://substack.com/@dympnaweil [https://substack.com/@dympnaweil] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/ [https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/] Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dympnaweil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dympnaweil/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dympna.weil [https://www.facebook.com/dympna.weil] Bluesky https://‪@dympnaweil.bsky.social‬ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Pulling Back the Curtain: Living with Vestibular Migraine & Learning to Receive Care

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Dympna Weil pulls back the curtain on what’s been happening behind the scenes—and why she’s been quieter lately She shares her experience navigating debilitating vestibular migraines, the invisible cost of chronic illness, and the emotional weight of guilt that so often accompanies it. From missed moments to misdiagnoses, insurance battles to unexpected relief, this episode is an honest look at what it means to live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate—and how to find compassion anyway. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your struggle, or found it hard to receive support when you’re used to being the caregiver, this conversation will meet you right where you are. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * What vestibular migraines actually feel like (and why they’re often misunderstood) * The hidden cost of chronic illness: missed moments, limitations, and guilt * Why conditions like vestibular migraine are frequently misdiagnosed * The frustrating reality of navigating insurance and treatment access * The impact of losing a medication that was working—and what came next * A powerful moment of relief (and what it revealed emotionally) * The challenge of receiving care when you’re used to giving it * Why asking for help is not weakness—it’s part of healing Key Takeaways * Chronic conditions don’t always look the way we expect—and that can delay diagnosis and validation * Guilt often compounds physical suffering, especially for high-achieving caregivers * The healthcare system isn’t always designed with the patient’s lived experience in mind * Relief, after prolonged struggle, can feel more like an exhale than celebration * Receiving care is a practice—and sometimes the hardest one to learn A Moment to Reflect Where in your life are you pushing through… when your body might be asking you to pause? What would it look like to let yourself receive support—without apology? Thanks for listening. Your support means everything - so if you are moved to, please leave me a review and share this episode with a friend who may need the messages held here. Don't be a stranger. You can reach me at podcast@dympnaweil.com [podcast@dympnaweil.com] Website https://www.dympnaweil.com [https://www.dympnaweil.com] Substack (or other newsletter) https://substack.com/@dympnaweil [https://substack.com/@dympnaweil] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/ [https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/] Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dympnaweil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dympnaweil/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dympna.weil [https://www.facebook.com/dympna.weil] Bluesky https://‪@dympnaweil.bsky.social‬ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Youth Suicide Prevention with Dr. Christine Yu Moutier

In this powerful episode of Prescribing Possibility, I sit down with Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, a physician, mother, and national leader in suicide prevention. We cover the most pressing questions parents, educators, and clinicians are asking right now. From the unsettling rise of AI chatbot dependency to the surprisingly simple things that can save a young person's life. In this episode: * The state of youth mental health today What the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey tells us about anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation * AI, chatbots, and your child Why Dr. Moutier is sounding the alarm about platforms like Character AI * Warning signs that are easy to miss Why most suicide risk factors are invisible and why trusting your gut as a parent matters more than you might think. * How to have the conversation How to open a caring dialogue and why asking directly about suicidal thoughts doesn't plant the idea it saves lives. * The role of pediatricians and primary care How new AAP guidelines are bringing suicide risk screening to well-child visits * Positive social contagion How peer-to-peer conversations and community events are modeling a stigma-free culture Connect with Dr. Christine Yu Moutier: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-yu-moutier-69475014b/] Resources: * Seize the Awkward [https://seizetheawkward.org] — Youth-focused suicide prevention campaign from AFSP, NAMI, and the Ad Council * Talk Saves Lives [https://afsp.org/talk-saves-lives] — AFSP's free one-hour suicide prevention education program * Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention [https://www.aap.org] — A clinical guide for pediatricians, available on the AAP website * Out of the Darkness Walks [https://afsp.org/out-of-the-darkness-walks] — Community walks hosted by AFSP chapters nationwide * How to Find Your Local AFSP Chapter [https://afsp.org/find-a-local-chapter] * Real Convo Guides [https://afsp.org/real-convo-guides] * Teens and Suicide: What Parents Should Know [https://afsp.org] * The Good Behavior Game [https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-prevention-and-early-intervention/good-behavior-game/] — Long-term upstream prevention research * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 * The Trevor Project [https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/] — Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth: 1-866-488-7386 Website https://www.dympnaweil.com [https://www.dympnaweil.com] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/ [https://www.instagram.com/dympnaweil/] Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.