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FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep47

In this episode, Sam Horton is joined by Vasu Tolia—former pediatric gastroenterologist turned self-taught visual artist—whose journey from medicine to creativity reveals how deeply interconnected healing, science, and art truly are.

Vasu shares how life events and a sense of incompleteness in her post-academic medical work led her to experiment with visual art, eventually discovering it as a profound tool for both personal and collective healing. From her early days dabbling in representational art to her current passion for expressive abstraction, Vasu opens up about the vulnerability, growth, and transformation that come with embracing a second act in life.

This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—and that creativity can be a deeply spiritual path back to joy, purpose, and self-discovery.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Vasu's journey from medicine to art was sparked by personal reevaluation and a desire to find deeper fulfilment.
• The creative process, rather than the final artwork, holds the most healing power for her.
• Art became a meditative practice, offering calm, joy, and a sense of purpose.
• Her work bridges the realms of science, healing, and creativity, reflecting her lifelong passion for wellness.
• Vasu shares how her art has been recognized nationally, including being featured by the Washington Post and the CDC.
• Letting go of a long-held identity (like that of a doctor) can be a powerful step toward soulful living.
• She views her past as a rich source of inspiration for her art, not a limitation.
• Through her art, Vasu now supports causes close to her heart—like women’s empowerment, autism, and environmental protection.
• Creativity is essential to self-care and self-expression; it connects us to our spirit and to others.
• Vasu's advice: “It’s never too late to begin. Follow your passion passionately.”

FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep47

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