In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Orly Fuerst opens up about her journey from Israel to Houston and her life-changing diagnosis of stage four colorectal cancer. With honesty, humor, and unwavering determination, Orly shares how she continues to run, parent, and teach while undergoing intensive treatment. She explores the critical role of resilience, self-trust, and finding balance in the face of overwhelming health challenges. Orly also highlights the importance of compassionate healthcare relationships and the strength she draws from her community. Her story is not just one of survival—it’s a testament to living fully, with purpose and courage, even in the most uncertain moments.

Orly Fuerst is a mother of six, a dedicated runner, and a passionate teacher. For years, her world revolved around raising her children and nurturing her students. But everything changed in July of 2022, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer that had already spread to her liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. Doctors told her she had just 6 to 9 months to live.

Her immediate response captured her spirit: “Oh no, that won’t work—I already paid for a race 10 months away.” In that moment, Orly became a cancer patient, but she refused to let the disease define her.

She continues to undergo treatment, including chemotherapy and occasional radiation—always with grit, humor, and resilience. While some days are harder than others, Orly is determined not to let cancer become her entire identity. She remains deeply committed to spreading awareness about the power of movement and exercise, particularly in the frum community, where these conversations can sometimes be overlooked.

Orly is currently training for a 10K in November to raise awareness for colon cancer, and a half marathon in January. Through her running, teaching, and advocacy, she continues to defy the odds—one step, one mile, one message at a time.

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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jennie Berkovich sits down with Dr. Carrie Holland—a former family physician who boldly transitioned into life and health coaching—to explore what it really takes to create lasting wellness.

Dr. Holland opens up about her powerful journey from the clinic to coaching, revealing how a shift in mindset can unlock your full potential. Together, they dive deep into how to break free from limiting beliefs, build true consistency, and embrace the three game-changing pillars of wellness: eat, move, and think.

Whether you're striving for better health, navigating burnout, or simply curious about the connection between thoughts and transformation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring takeaways. Dr. Holland even shares her favorite must-read books that have the power to change the way you approach life.

Carrie Holland is a board-certified family physician with additional certifications in personal training, health coaching, and life coaching. As the CEO of her full-time life coach practice, Carrie specializes in helping smart women build strong habits: Eating, Moving, and Thinking. She addresses the impact of women’s responsibilities at work and at home on their wellness. Using habit psychology, mindset management tools, and expertise in nutrition and exercise, Carrie helps overstretched, high-level working women prioritize their own well-being. She is also the host of the weekly podcast, Strong is a Mindset.

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In this conversation, Dr. Jennie Berkovich and Emma Jones explore the critical issue of burnout in healthcare professionals. They discuss the definitions, symptoms, and broader context of burnout, emphasizing its prevalence across various professions. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout, understanding risk factors, and the role of compassion fatigue. Practical strategies for preventing burnout are shared, along with insights into the cultural influences that contribute to burnout in medicine. The discussion concludes with a focus on the importance of work-life balance and living a fulfilled life.

Emma Jones, MD is a practicing hospice and palliative care physician who has also worked as a pediatric oncologist and general pediatrician. With over a decade of experience mentoring residents and fellows, she has become a guide and uplifter for countless healthcare professionals navigating the turbulence of the modern medical system.

In The Phoenix Blueprint, Dr. Jones shares the skills and practices that have allowed her to emerge stronger from burnout and rediscover her calling to serve patients and colleagues. Drawing from yoga traditions while respecting each person's unique path, she provides a step-by-step guide to help those in healthcare rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

A mother of two teenage girls, Dr. Jones lives with her physician husband and family in the Boston area. Her goal is to be a lighthouse of inspiration every day, illuminating the way for patients and co-workers alike to find renewal in the face of adversity. The Phoenix Blueprint is her first book.