Episode 3: Basics of Physical Self-Care Series [Part 1]: Hydration and Hygience
Release Date: 06/17/2025
Episode 35: Fair Play Part 3 - Time Equality, Provider Pressure, and Being a True Partner at Home with Dr. Adrian Harvey
Supporting Physician Spouses
In Part 3 of our Fair Play series, Kendra sits down with her husband, Dr. Adrian Harvey, to talk candidly about what it looks like for a physician husband to move from “helping” to complete ownership at home. They unpack the provider-role pressure, the mindset shift required to truly value time equally, and how shared ownership can deepen connection with both spouse and kids, even in a demanding medical career. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Adrian’s first reaction to Fair Play, and what changed over time What “peer marriage” looks like in a physician household The provider...
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Episode 33: The Mental Load in Physician Families: Fair Play Framework Explained
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When one partner is working 60, 70, 80+ hours a week, it is easy to default into, “I’ll just handle everything at home.” On the surface, it looks supportive. Over time, it often turns into resentment, disconnection, and a physician who feels like a guest in their own home, while the at-home partner feels like they can never step away from being the household CEO. In Part 1 of our Fair Play series, we break down the core ideas from Fair Play by Eve Rodsky, and translate the framework into the reality of physician family life. This episode is about the concepts and language you need before...
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If you’re married to a physician, the “New Year, new you” pressure can feel extra exhausting, especially when your life is already running on a high-demand schedule. In this episode, Kendra and Katie offer you something better than resolutions: permission to honor your current season and work with your real energy, not an arbitrary calendar date. In this episode, we cover Why January 1 can be a terrible “starting line” (and why nature is resting when we’re told to sprint) The seasons framework, using a farming metaphor: Winter: planning, rest, reflection Spring:...
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If you’re married to a physician and you’ve been holding a lot this year, this one is for you. Katie and Kendra share highlights from our first year, read reviews from listeners, and tease what’s ahead in 2026, including a Fair Play series and conversations about your family’s ecosystem. As we head into a new year, we’re looking back on the first year of the Supporting Physician Spouses podcast, how it began, what resonated most, and what we’re building next. If you’ve been listening quietly, this is your invitation to step closer. Leave a review, send a DM, or email us with what...
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Episode 30: Do We Even Have Traditions? Holiday Life as a Physician Family
Supporting Physician Spouses
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Today we’re talking about the kind of rest physician spouses actually need during the holidays—especially when the whole world seems to slow down while your home ramps up. If you’re carrying the family load while navigating your spouse’s demanding end-of-year schedule, this episode was made for you. Today we’re talking about… Rest—not the “add another task to your list” kind, but the biological, necessary kind that helps you survive and stay present during an already overwhelming season. In this episode, we talk about: The three types of rest most depleted in physician...
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Episode 27: Making the Season Lighter: A December Re-frame for Physician Spouses
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In this honest solo episode, Katie shares what’s coming up for her as December begins—resistance, overwhelm, perfectionism, small-space stress, seasonal energy dips, and the pressure to “make magic” during the holidays. Instead of powering through it, she slows down and walks through the SEE–SAY–FEEL–DO framework in real time to bring intention, clarity, and compassion into the season. If you’re feeling behind, heavy, stretched thin, or unsure how to make the holidays feel good for you, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Listen In If You’ve Ever Felt: ...
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Episode 26: Holiday Expectations for Physician Spouses: Ditch the Date, Ditch the Pressure, Keep the Magic
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Episode Title: Basics of Physical Self-Care
Hosts: Kendra Harvey & Katie Harris
Duration: ~18 minutes
Episode Type: Part 1 of 2
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and practical episode, Kendra and Katie dive into the foundational self-care habits that help physician spouses reconnect with themselves and avoid burnout. Building on Katie’s original coaching email and shared personal stories, the hosts explore how easy it is to slip into survival mode—and what it takes to reclaim your well-being.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series focused on physical self-care. Today’s conversation covers hydration and hygiene—two simple, essential practices that can drastically improve your mental clarity, mood, and self-worth when life feels chaotic and you’re running on empty.
đź“Ś In This Episode:
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Why physician spouses often slip into cycles of over-functioning and burnout
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The difference between a kid-centered vs. a family-centered household
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How hydration impacts mood, memory, and energy (with supporting research)
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Hygiene as a pathway to nervous system regulation and restored dignity
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The power of modeling good self-care habits for your kids—and yourself
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways:
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You can’t support others well if you’re constantly running on empty.
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Small shifts like brushing your teeth or drinking water in the morning signal to your brain that you matter.
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Modeling basic self-care sets the tone for your whole family.
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Start where you are—and know you’re not alone.
đź’ˇ Additional Resources:
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The Fabulous App, a science-based habit-building app that helps users start their day with simple self-care routines-like drinking a glass of water.
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Journal of Nutrition Study: Citation: Armstrong, L. E., et al. (2012). "Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women." Journal of Nutrition, 142(2), 382-388.
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Kendra references a study published in the Journal of Nutrition showing that even 1-2% dehydration can impair memory, mood, and mental clarity in women.
đź—“ Coming Next Week:
Stay tuned for Part 2 where Kendra and Katie continue the conversation with the remaining three basics: sleep, movement, and nutrition.
📲 Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @supportingphysicianspouses for more resources and behind-the-scenes content!
Email us at hello@supportingphysicianspouses.com