

I AM Well, MD
Santi Tanikella, MD
Wellness. Doesn't sound exciting, does it? And yet, it's foundational to being able to live a truly vibrant, empowered life. Many of us walk the earth every day feeling like something's not quite right. Everything on the outside is amazing - the job, the house, the car, the 2.5 kids, the dog. But internally, there's something missing... What could it be? This podcast is for those of you who are ready to open Pandora's box, explore who you are, learn, heal, and empower yourself. Let's go!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, 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. Want to learn more? Visit Dr. Tanikella at iamwellmd.com. Join her mailing list to be the first to learn about her newest offerings!
Episodes
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Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Episode 30 - Redefining Financial Wellness: Women, Wealth, and the Power of Transparency with Amanda DeCesar and Amber Schiffert
Send us a textIn this empowering episode of the I AM Well MD podcast, Dr. Santi sits down with Amanda DeCesar and Amber Schiffert, the dynamic co-founders of TARA Wealth, a financial planning firm rooted in transparency, authenticity, and real advice. These two powerhouse women are on a mission to help individuals, especially women, build a healthier relationship with money through education and values-based guidance.Meet the Guests:Amanda DeCesar, CFP® - Co-Founder of TARA WealthAmanda is on a mission to promote healthy relationships with money through financial education, guidance, and actionable advice. She is passionate about helping clients use their money as a tool to achieve their dreams and break through financial roadblocks.With 20 years of knowledge and experience in the financial services industry, Amanda continues to pursue her passion for helping clients gain clarity, confidence, and control of their finances through founding TARA Wealth with Amber. Amber Schiffert - Co-Founder of TARA WealthAmber has a passion for making a lasting impact on the lives of others. Because of this, in 2017 she changed careers and entered the financial services industry. Recognizing the outdated practices of the industry, she sought to redefine financial education and empowerment in a more meaningful and personalized way which led her and Amanda to launch TARA Wealth in 2023. TARA Wealth is a women-led financial firm built on transparency and empathy, aiming to support clients in achieving long-term financial wellness. They’re reshaping how we think about financial planning, making it more personal, approachable, and aligned with long-term well-being. Learn more at www.tarawealth.com and connect on LinkedIn! Visit our website at iamwellmd.com.Follow I AM Well MD on Instagram | LinkedIn | Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Mar 3, 2025 • 32min
Episode 29 - A Holistic Approach to Mental Health with Dr. Kristine Goins
Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Kristine Goins, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, shares how she transformed the ashes from her burnout into the greatest gift ever. We explore how our fear is often rooted in the opinions of others or our own self-perception rather than actual threats, and how developing self-awareness and resilience can help us navigate challenges with confidence. We also delve into various lifestyle and holistic approaches that can be used to promote our emotional wellbeing, particularly when it comes to ADHD and anxiety. Dr. Goins encourages all of us to pay attention to those inner whispers—your intuition is guiding you for a reason!Tune in!Dr. Kristine Goins is a board-certified integrative adult & pediatric psychiatrist and digital nomad. Having served in several healthcare settings and various leadership positions within academic centers, Dr. Goins has witnessed firsthand the impact that burnout, stress, and work-life imbalance can have on physicians’ lives. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, Dr. Goins founded Nomad MD, where she empowers doctors to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life, where they can work less and live anywhere.Website/Blog: thenomadmd.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenomadmds @thenomadmds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenomadmds @thenomadmdsConnect With Us:Website: iamwellmd.comInstagram: @iamwell_mdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamwellmd/Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who could benefit from it. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Feb 8, 2025 • 12min
Episode 28 - Mom Guilt
Send us a textIn this episode, I'll be delving into the pervasive issue of mom guilt that affects mothers across all walks of life. While guilt feels burdensome, it's actually an emotion that is symbolic of how much you care for your children. We will explore the origins of this emotion and some practical strategies to help you navigate and alleviate guilt.If you're interested in one-on-one coaching, I'm happy to support you! Click on this link to reach out: https://www.iamwellmd.com/contactFor more insights and support, visit our website: I AM Well, MDLike social media? Connect on:Instagram: @iamwell_mdFacebook: I AM Well, MDLinked-In: Santi Tanikella, MDIf you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please share it with a mom who could use a little love. Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know what topics you’d like to hear about in the future!Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Sending love to you amazing mothers out there! 💕Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Jan 25, 2025 • 14min
Episode 27 - Love to the New Mamas out there!
Send us a textWelcome to Episode 27 of the podcast, "Love to the New Mamas Out There!" In this heartfelt episode, I’m reaching out to all the amazing new and expecting moms, sharing wisdom, encouragement, and some real talk about the journey of motherhood. Whether you’re a first-time mom or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.What We’ll Cover:Why your birth plan doesn’t have to be perfect: Learn how to adjust expectations and embrace the unexpected.Breastfeeding truths: The challenges that no one talks about and why formula isn't the enemy.The power of accepting help: Letting others support you and why it’s essential for your well-being and that of your child.Finding joy and connection: How to make space for joy and self-care in the early days of motherhood.Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re not alone. Some of this is a normal part of entering new and unfamiliar territory. If you need some resources, particularly with breastfeeding - reach out to your local lactation consultant or your pediatrician. If you think you may be feeling more sad/depressed or anxious than the situation calls for, your Ob/GYN or primary care provider can be an amazing touch point. If you're interested in one-on-one coaching, I'm happy to support you! Click on this link to reach out: https://www.iamwellmd.com/contactIf you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please share it with a new or expecting mom who could use a little encouragement. Don’t forget to leave a review and let me know what topics you’d like to hear about in the future!You can also follow me on social media for more tips and inspiration.Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Sending love to all the amazing mamas out there! 💕Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Nov 24, 2024 • 13min
Episode 26 - Love, Power, & Equality
Send us a textHave you been having some trouble navigating the emotional aftermath of the recent election results? Me too. We can all easily see the writing on the wall: there are definitely going to be some societal challenges coming up ahead.I learned about the election results as I watched the sun rise through airport windows. It got me thinking about my culture, my gender, and how I've come to where I am today. In this podcast, I share stories of the women in my family, and some personal experiences about resilience, self-awareness, and breaking free from societal expectations.This isn’t a political rant—it’s about personal and collective empowerment and how we move forward. It's about choosing love over hate, showing up for ourselves and others, and taking control of our lives. It's about financial independence, challenging gender norms, and confronting some of the unconscious biases we carry. If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re navigating the same struggles that I do, this episode is for you. Let’s break barriers, build each other up, and create the life we deserve—together.As promised, here is the link to the article I recently wrote, entitled "The Tale of Two Books (and How I Broke the Binding on my Unwritten Instruction Manual)."Pause and ask yourself why things are the way they are... and who told you it had to be that way. We don't need to be victims to societal norms. We are allowed to question things when they are unjust or don't make sense. We are allowed to make changes in our lives for the better. Are you ready?Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Oct 30, 2024 • 9min
Episode 25 - The Masks We Wear
Send us a textIt’s Halloween! While the kids are gearing up in their costumes, ready to take on magical roles, I’m thinking about the masks we all wear—not just on Halloween, but in our everyday lives. From superheroes to witches, kids transform in an instant. As adults, our ‘masks’ often hide who we really are. In this episode, I share a story from my days as a pediatric resident, where putting on a ‘strong’ mask helped me survive, but left me feeling isolated. Let’s talk about the masks we wear, the roles we play, and what it might feel like to set one of them down. Are you ready to let your true self shine?Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Oct 7, 2024 • 16min
Episode 24 - Parental Stress
Send us a textWelcome to Episode 24 of the podcast!This week, we’re diving deep into parental stress and how it impacts our mental health and family dynamics. In this special episode, I'll reflect on my own journey as a parent. This year marks my 10th anniversary of motherhood—and I've been celebrating it all year long! We're also going to discuss some of the common challenges we parents face, how important "the village" is to our families, and the recent Advisory put out by the US Surgeon General on Parental Stress. Supporting parental mental health isn’t just "nice" to do—it’s essential for the health and wellbeing of our entire society. You can be a part of the solution by offering support to the parents in your life. Parental stress is real, but it’s not just a personal issue—it’s a public health concern. Support networks and community involvement are vital for parents’ mental health. Workplaces, policies, and open discussions can play a role in easing the stress burden on parents. And, parents, it’s okay to ask for help! It's not a sign of failure, it's a sign of strength!Resources:U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Parental Mental Health: "Parents Under Pressure"https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.htmlStay Connected: Follow me on social media for more insights and support strategies! Check out our Facebook page, or visit us on Instagram. If you need extra support, check out I AM Well, MD for resources on building a healthy you, and a resilient family.Thanks for listening, and be sure to hug your kids (and your parents!) today!Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more parents looking for support.Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

Sep 3, 2024 • 10min
Episode 23 - It's Back-to-School Time!
Send us a textIt's the most wonderful time of the year! The time where our kids return to school and our lives start to take on a slightly more regular schedule - even if that means it might be a bit busier. Yes, it means that working parents can finally feel a little respite... but what about our kids? Some of them are excited to return, while others are fraught with... well... other feelings. How can we as parents help them to navigate the new school year with greater ease? Is it possible to instill our kids with resilience and confidence? Tune in to find out...!Staples commercial – It’s the most wonderful time of the year!https://youtu.be/CD1PffNbZls?si=X414mGV-eimYKNOY WNEP news segment on Easing Back to School Anxiety:https://www.wnep.com/article/news/health/healthwatch-16/easing-back-to-school-anxiety-healthwatch-16-pennsylvania/523-b6fc31bb-d919-4cc5-ad74-2aa1d13cf650?fbclid=IwY2xjawFCoqhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTMT3mJHk0s1WfztNSgD2RaeMVF0rNARG-htV6Y2EK8gGaI-XCYmpywNpA_aem_5X0NnxmPwkcFa17ni11yXQSupport the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

May 23, 2024 • 7min
Episode 22 - Lifestyle as Medicine - Stress: Can't live with it. Can't live without it.
Send us a textStress. It's everywhere. Sometimes the weight of it can be unbearable. It can be the source of a lot of drama - work place drama, family drama, even drama with our personal health. There are so many different ways of reducing stress out there - going on long walks, being in nature; surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends; taking breaks or even vacations; meditating, doing yoga; journaling.... the list goes on and on. For each person, the recipe for stress prevention and reduction will be a little different, and so it needs to be tailored to the individual. Even this may evolve over time and with changes in life. One thing's for sure, though: if we have a tendency to depend on factors outside of us to meet our needs and bring us happiness and peace, we are setting ourselves up to go right into a stress response. We can't always control what happens externally... but we might just be able to change our inner dialogue. In many cases, that alone can be a game-changer. Tune in to learn more!Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....

May 4, 2024 • 12min
Episode 21 - Lifestyle as Medicine: The Power of 'We'
Send us a textLast Fall, the World Health Organization declared that loneliness is a threat to our well-being. In fact, it can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, or obesity. I think for most of us, this is shocking news because we tend to separate our emotional and mental health from our physical health, but this just shows how interconnected these areas are. They went on to say that people who are socially isolated tend to have a higher risk of anxiety, depression, dementia, and stroke. What is it about social connection that is so protective? How can we tap into that? Listen in to find out how.References:WHO launches commission to foster social connection: https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connectionCheck out Brene Brown’s Ted Talk on the Power of Vulnerability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o Support the showDr. 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. Drop us a message by going to iamwellmd.com/contact. Follow I AM Well MD: Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookDisclaimer: 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....