The PLA Podcast

Ep 12: Facing the End: Purpose, Presence & End-of-Life Coaching with Phil Cass

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380348/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Dr. Stephanie Costa sits down with PLA founder Phil Cass for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about his recent journey into end-of-life coaching. After decades of leadership, coaching, and service to physicians, Phil shares how a silent retreat, personal loss, and his own health scare led him to explore a new purpose: supporting individuals and families as they face death. Now trained as an end-of-life-coach, Phil reflects on the power of presence, listening, and reducing fear at life’s most vulnerable moments. Together, they explore how conversations about death can bring clarity, connection, and even joy, and why so many people already hold deep insight into what a “good death” and a meaningful life look like. Phil also offers practical reflections on preparing for the end, from writing ethical wills to having honest conversations with loved ones, and shares how this work continues to shape his own approach to living fully. Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association [https://columbusmedicalassociation.org/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Ep 11 - Part 2: Tired and Wired: Safe Relational Touch for Nervous System Regulation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380348/fan_mail/new] In part two of our conversation with aesthetician, artist, and craniosacral therapy practitioner Amy Linville, host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa continues their conversation focusing on biodynamic craniosacral therapy (CST) and its relevance for healthcare professionals managing chronic stress and trauma. Amy explains how stress can lead to “chronic bracing,” and describes how safe, negotiated relational touch can help the autonomic nervous system soften and regulate beyond simply telling oneself to relax.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/ Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association [https://columbusmedicalassociation.org/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Ep 11 - Part 1: Drawing as a Stillness Practice with Amy Linville

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380348/fan_mail/new] Host and PLA Director of Alumni Programming Dr. Stephanie Costa speaks with Amy Linville, an aesthetician who also incorporates biodynamic craniosacral therapy, about building a creative life through drawing. In Part 1 of their conversation, they discuss approachable practices such as 10-minute drawing challenges focused on process over product, noticing nervous system regulation and body awareness, and using constraints like time to reduce perfectionism.    Learn more about Amy on her website: https://www.amylinville.com/  Try Amy's drawing game here: https://bit.ly/4cmu6ct Registration is open for the next class of the Physicians Leadership Academy at the Columbus Medical Association. Designed FOR physicians BY physicians and led by globally recognized faculty and coaches, PLA is a transformational, research-backed program to help you build the skills to thrive in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more at physiciansleadershipacademy.org. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association [https://columbusmedicalassociation.org/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Ep 10: Martial Arts, Mindfulness, and Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Dean Agra

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380348/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The PLA Podcast, host Stephanie Costa, Director of Alumni Programming at the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA), talks with PLA graduate Dr. Dean Agra, formerly a nephrologist and now a full-time addiction medicine physician, about how martial arts support mindfulness, grounding, and leading as one’s truest self. Dean shares how he first explored martial arts as a child, returned to training in medical school as a physical and mental outlet, and now practices three to five times per week as a “moving meditation” that helps him stay focused and present. He discusses the complementary nature of PLA mindfulness teachings with martial arts, outlines disciplines he’s trained in (including kung fu, ninjitsu, Muay Thai, and tai chi), and offers suggestions for beginners seeking breath work, fitness, or practical self-defense. Produced by the Columbus Medical Association [https://columbusmedicalassociation.org/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org

Ep 9: Dream Coaching, Burnout, and Finding What’s Next

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2380348/fan_mail/new] Amy Marzluff shares her coaching journey and unique approach to helping people rediscover their dreams. This episode explores physician burnout, leadership, retirement, and life transitions—and how reconnecting with purpose can support both personal and professional well-being.  Produced by the Columbus Medical Association [https://columbusmedicalassociation.org/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhysiciansLeadershipAcademyPLA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicians.leadership.academy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/physicians-leadership-academy/ Learn more: physiciansleadershipacademy.org