
Docs Outside The Box
Docs Outside the Box is a fusion of money, medicine, and pop culture. After paying off $662,000 in student loan debt, quitting their jobs, and launching 3 businesses, husband and wife, Drs. Nii and Renée Darko, have a lot to say about earning, saving, and investing your way to the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. These two docs parley about personal finance, careers, and the real world. Tune in for the gems. 💎 Stay for the laughs .😂 Welcome to medicine’s new media!
Latest episodes

Jul 15, 2025 • 38min
How I Stay Sane And Sharp As A Trauma Surgeon. #467
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this raw, revealing episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to reclaim my physical and mental health while working in one of medicine's most demanding specialties. After years of neglecting my physical fitness, I'm now chasing two ambitious goals and I also challenge y’all to set a goal completely unrelated to your title as a doctor. I discuss:0:00 Introduction.02:04 My fitness goals of breaking 20 minutes in a 5K and bench pressing 250 pounds.05:59 My background.08:20 Why these goals?18:56 The importance of being healthy both mentally & physically as a doctor.22:20 How I train.29:45 How I find time to work out as a trauma surgeon.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Future The Virtual App I use for training - https://www.future.co/SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Instagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comTwitter: @drniidarkoMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jul 8, 2025 • 15min
The Vitals Check! How We Stay Fit As Doctors. #466 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860In this new segment "The Vitals Check" we track our personal fitness journeys. Shoutout to Faith Kipyegon for her historic 4-minute mile attempt. She reminds us of legends like Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. On that note, what fitness goals are you chasing? FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jul 8, 2025 • 21min
How Physicians Can Protect Their Peace and Avoid BURNOUT. #466 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Whether you're a medical student, resident, or mid-career physician questioning how you can protect your inner peace at work without quitting, this segment offers practical strategies on steps you can take to avoid becoming bitter and burned out. We explored how career choices like locum tenens, can provide the flexibility to practice medicine you love without becoming consumed by it.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jul 8, 2025 • 10min
Starting A Locums Tenens Agency as a PA Student. #466 Part 4
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860If you’re thinking about launching your own locums medical staffing agency while still completing your healthcare education, this episode dives deep into the complexities and realities of starting a locum tenens agency. We offered practical advice drawn from years of experience in both clinical practice and business development.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Past episodes on starting a locums agency.- https://youtu.be/z5W9yQQaizk- https://youtu.be/GDCRSO-dY70- https://youtu.be/Mqb1awTFthE- https://youtu.be/qeH-ztylxHI- https://youtu.be/u3c4J4qSIkg- https://youtu.be/ZfvnDaU1GKE- https://youtu.be/Fkvjnjisz0Q- https://youtu.be/pNOE-xVG3hUSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jul 8, 2025 • 23min
Actionable Advice On Battling Breast Cancer. The Ananda Lewis's Story. #466 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Send us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxHave a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860If you or someone you know is battling breast cancer, then this segment is for you. We discussed the heartbreaking story of MTV VJ Ananda Lewis who recently lost her battle with breast cancer and gave actionable steps for dealing with breast cancer.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Article by Ananda lewis on living with breast cancer - https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/ananda-lewis-breast-cancer/Dr. Lakshmi Emory & Kevin Frazier Entertainment Tonight segment on Ananda Lewis's breast cancer and her death - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2IDmhGsJtENational breast cancer organization resources - https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-resources/Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jul 1, 2025 • 30min
REPLAY: What You Should Know About Becoming a Part-Time Physician #302
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Nii discusses the trend of doctors seeking less than full-time work. Sarah Ledbetter, Physician Recruitment Manager at Provider Solutions & Development, is on to debunk the theory that medical employers are solely seeking full-time doctors.Things to expect in this episode:Defining Full-time workWhich generation is seeking more work/life balanceThe 'Covid Reset' and how doctors look at employment nowThe difference between part-time, per diem, and locums workThe trend of mid-career doctors seeking less than full-time workJournal Articles:https://psdconnect.org/journal/what-you-should-know-about-becoming-a-part-time-physicianMedscape Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2022WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!FILL OUT THE DOCS OUTSIDE THE BOX PODCAST SURVEY (in partnership w INCROWD)INCROWDMAKE EXTRA MONEY AS A RESIDENT OR ATTENDING - COMPLETE MEDICAL SURVEYS WITH INCROWDWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Join our communityText word PODCAST to 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @drniidarkoEmail: team@drniidarko.comPodcasting Course: www.docswhopodcast.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is edited by: Your Podcast PalThis episode is sponsored by:Provider Solutions & Development. Experts in holistic career coaching – check them out HERETwitter: @PSDConnectsFacebook: @PSDConnectsLinkedIN: Provider Solutions & Development

Jun 24, 2025 • 18min
Shocking Story Of An Attending On Call Who Takes Melatonin + Lunesta Then Sleeps On The Job 😲 #465 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!We discuss a Reddit post from a resident dealing with an attending who takes melatonin and Lunesta during their shared overnight calls, rendering them unavailable and leaving the resident alone to manage all patient care decisions.We discuss various approaches to addressing this dilemma, weighing the merits of speaking with trusted senior residents versus approaching program leadership directly.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 24, 2025 • 29min
Having A Medical Degree Doesn't Make You A Leader. #465 Part 1
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Leadership in medicine goes beyond clinical skills because medical education doesn’t automatically create leaders. In this segment, we discuss how toxic behaviors get perpetuated when negative leadership styles like throwing instruments in the OR to berating staff, are modeled for residents and medical students. We then share the non-negotiable days we refuse to work, revealing how our cultural backgrounds and family values inform our decisions.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 24, 2025 • 22min
Our Thoughts On Making Major Life Moves In A Relationship Without Being Engaged. #465 Part 3
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Our listener, David, wrote back with an update on their job search near Boston which then led us to a deeper conversation about making major life moves when you're dating but haven't formally committed to through engagement or marriage. We talked about both practical considerations and personal reflections from our own relationship journey.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED Q&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com

Jun 20, 2025 • 15min
Trump's Bill's Caps On Grad School Loans Could Worsen Doctor Shortage. #464 Part 2
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show!Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” really beautiful? We discuss the potential impact of the proposed bill that would cap federal loan amounts for graduate students, particularly affecting medical education. America already faces a severe physician shortage. By creating additional financial barriers to medical education, this legislation threatens to worsen this crisis, potentially leaving more communities without adequate medical care.FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locumsLINKS MENTIONED The NewYork Times Article - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/health/trump-budget-student-loans-doctors.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareQ&A and Suggestions Form - https://forms.clickup.com/9010110533/f/8cgpr25-4614/PEBFZN5LA6FKEIXTWFSend us a Voice Message - https://www.speakpipe.com/docsoutsidetheboxSIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Have a question for the podcast?Text us at 833-230-2860Twitter: @drniidarkoInstagram: @docsoutsidetheboxEmail: team@drniidarko.comMerch: https://docs-outside-the-box.creator-spring.comThis episode is sponsored by Set For Life Insurance. What the Darkos use for great disability insurance at a low cost!! Check them out at www.setforlifeinsurance.com