Medicine, Purpose & Human Stories

Explore personal stories and thoughtful conversations about medicine, healing, identity, purpose, resilience, and the experiences that shape our health and our lives.

Hear from physicians, patients, caregivers, and guests as they reflect on meaningful moments, difficult decisions, personal growth, and the human side of healthcare.

PODCAST INTERVIEWS & CONVERSATIONS

Medicine, Purpose and Human Stories

Browse personal stories and meaningful conversations about medicine, caregiving, healing, identity, resilience, life transitions, and finding purpose through the human experience.

7 Decades in Medicine | Lessons on Curiosity and Longevity from Dr. David Barnes

Dr. John Sanders is joined by Dr. David Barnes, a family physician, decorated marathoner, and author whose career has stretched across seven decades and half the globe. Dr. Barnes recalls ...his childhood in wartime London and how it led to a career that carried him all around the world. He shares what it was like growing up during the London Blitz and how living among different cultures reshaped the animosities he was raised with. Dr. Barnes believes curiosity, observation, and a willingness to challenge convention are at the heart of good medicine.

Dr. Barnes reflects on the human cost of World War II and what today's generation stands to lose as the living memory of that era fades. He shares how he built a life of running, including finishing his 21st marathon at age 85 alongside his daughter. He unpacks the science behind BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and why he believes movement is one of the most powerful tools against depression and anxiety. Dr. Barnes' insights and personal history about medicine and resilience inspire all to stay curious at any age.

Chapters
[Start] Introductions Dr. David Barnes: Dr. Sanders introduces Dr. David Barnes, and he shares his global journey that brought him to medicine.
05:57 Growing Up in the London Blitz: Dr. Barnes recalls growing up in wartime London, and how living abroad later changed the views he was instilled with.
11:58 The Generational Difference: How life has changed from WWII to 2026 and how it affects our physical and mental health.
27:51 A COVID Observation: How a personal hygiene habit during the pandemic led to research on soap ingredients and viral capsules.
47:44 Closing Thoughts & Gifts: Dr. Sanders and Dr. Barnes exchange parting gifts and share their last thoughts for the end of the episode.

Links & Resources
https://voyageclinics.com/Show More

7 Decades in Medicine | Lessons on Curiosity and Longevity from Dr. David Barnes

Dr. John Sanders is joined by Dr. David Barnes, a family physician, ...

Dr. Sanders and Lisa Hall, FNP | Practicing Medicine with Heart and Time

In this heartfelt episode of the Voyage Clinics podcast, Dr. John ...

In this heartfelt episode of the Voyage Clinics podcast, Dr. John Sanders interviews Lisa Hall, a compassionate and experienced nurse practitioner, as she shares her life and professional journey. Raised ...in a small Utah town as the oldest of eight children, Lisa grew up caring for others—a trait that naturally led her into nursing. She trained alongside her mother at BYU, eventually working with her in clinical practice, and is now inspiring her own daughter to pursue nursing.

Lisa’s early career included labor and delivery and NICU nursing later transitioning into integrative neurology and addiction care. Her work with patients struggling with neurological conditions and opioid addiction, including her own brother, emphasized the importance of whole-person healing. She expressed concern over the constraints of traditional insurance-based medicine—short visits, restricted lab work, and limited follow-up—leading her to seek a more meaningful way to care for patients. That search ultimately brought her to Voyage Clinics, a direct primary care model that offers transparency, flexibility, and the time needed to truly connect and heal.

Lisa also opens up about her personal health struggles which have given her deeper empathy and insight into her patients’ experiences. She praises the innovative, patient-first environment at Voyage Clinics, highlighting its affordability, collaborative team, and wealth of resources, such as evidence-based health coaching and advanced AI tools for research. Lisa's authenticity, lived experience, and passion for whole-person care make her a perfect addition to the Voyage Clinics team and a deeply valued resource for her patients.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. John and Marilyn Sorensen | on Family, Medicine, and Music

Dr. John welcomes Marilyn Sorensen, a seasoned family nurse ...

Dr. John welcomes Marilyn Sorensen, a seasoned family nurse practitioner with over 43 years of experience. Marilyn shares her journey into medicine, initially debating between music and nursing before ultimately ...choosing healthcare as a practical and fulfilling career. She reflects on her upbringing in a military family, living in Germany during high school, and how her father's role as the "Berlin Candy Bomber" influenced her values of compassion and service. Marilyn's decision to pursue nursing was shaped by her experiences with patients and personal life events, including the loss of a family member to kidney cancer, which motivated her to advance her education and become a nurse practitioner.

The conversation highlights Marilyn's passion for patient-centered care, particularly in women's health, bioidentical hormone therapy, osteoporosis management, and general family medicine. She and Dr. John discuss the importance of spending adequate time with patients, creating meaningful connections, and avoiding the rushed, impersonal nature of corporate healthcare. They emphasize the role of music in healing, drawing parallels between Marilyn’s love for music and the artistry involved in patient care. Dr. John also shares his own experiences integrating music into his practice, including his reputation as the “singing doctor” in Moab.

As Marilyn joins the Voyage Clinics team, she expresses enthusiasm for the clinic’s mission to provide personalized, accessible, and transparent healthcare. She and Dr. John reflect on the broken aspects of the healthcare system, the challenges of maintaining integrity in a fast-paced industry, and the importance of making patients feel heard. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion about Marilyn’s late father’s legacy and the lasting impact of kindness in both medicine and life.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. John and Shaunna Sanders | Insights on Life, Learning, and Resilience

In this podcast episode, Dr. John Sanders hosts his wife, Shaunna ...

In this podcast episode, Dr. John Sanders hosts his wife, Shaunna Sanders, as they explore her personal journey through education, family, and self-discovery. Drawing on her academic background in English, ...Shaunna introduces Joseph Campbell’s concept of the hero's journey, emphasizing its universal relevance. She discusses the archetypal stages of the journey—such as the call to adventure, encountering mentors, and overcoming obstacles—and relates these to her own life experiences, including motherhood, education, and her pursuit of personal growth. Her insights encourage listeners to view challenges as integral to their own hero’s journey.

Shaunna highlights how her passion for teaching and lifelong learning has shaped her path, from homeschooling her children to pursuing her JD and MBA. She reflects on the duality of ambition and grace, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in both achievements and unexpected detours. Her approach to education and life reflects a belief in adapting to changing circumstances while staying true to one's core values, offering a relatable perspective for women balancing careers, family, and personal aspirations.

The episode concludes with Shaunna sharing a heartfelt poem titled *Ordinary*, which beautifully encapsulates the theme of finding contentment in everyday life while recognizing the unique value in each individual. This poetic reflection inspires listeners to embrace both ambition and peace, striking a balance between the drive to achieve and the grace to accept imperfection. The discussion leaves an enduring message about the power of self-awareness, resilience, and embracing one’s unique journey.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Dr. John Edwards | Neurosurgery with Heart

This episode features Dr. John Edwards, a neurosurgeon, who shares ...

This episode features Dr. John Edwards, a neurosurgeon, who shares with host Dr. Sanders his journey through rigorous medical training and the unique culture of his residency program, emphasizing the ...importance of compassion and collaboration in healthcare. Dr. Edwards reflects on the lessons learned during his six-year neurosurgery residency, which balanced high standards with a supportive environment, shaping his approach to patient care. He now brings this ethos to his practice, focusing on maintaining strong relationships within his team and the broader medical community to enhance patient outcomes.

Dr. Edwards provides an overview of the scope of neurosurgery, highlighting his focus on brain and spine procedures. He stresses the importance of a holistic approach, advocating for preventative care and non-surgical solutions whenever possible. With a strong ethical foundation, he aims to guide patients towards the least invasive treatments, reserving surgery for cases where it is genuinely necessary. He also discusses common procedures, such as spinal fusions, discectomies, and treatments for brain tumors, and underscores the role of lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and social connections in musculoskeletal and neurological health.

The episode concludes with practical advice on safety and injury prevention, including helmet use and early intervention for concussions. Dr. Edwards shares his holistic perspective on patient care, emphasizing the importance of empowering patients as active participants in their health journey. His thoughtful and collaborative approach aligns with the core mission of Voyage Clinics, making the conversation both informative and inspiring.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Dr. Workman | The Beauty of Goodbye: Lessons from Hospice

This episode interviews Dr. David Workman, a family physician and ...

Dr. Sanders and Alex Kimberling | On Becoming a Doctor

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic podcast, Dr. John speaks with ...

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic podcast, Dr. John speaks with Alex Kimberling, a medical student at Rocky Vista University, about his journey through medical school and the challenges ...faced by aspiring physicians. Alex shares how growing up in a small town in Utah and being the first in his family to pursue medicine shaped his approach to balancing academics and personal life. He reflects on his undergrad struggles at BYU, the intense competition of pre-med courses, and the sacrifices needed to manage clinical exposure and study for the MCAT while maintaining a marriage and family life.

The discussion also covers how Alex copes with the demanding nature of medical school, including long study hours and limited time for personal wellness. He shares the importance of self-care and how adopting a consistent exercise routine improved his mental health and academic performance. Dr. John adds his experiences, emphasizing the vital role that family and support systems play in navigating medical training, balancing responsibilities, and avoiding burnout.

The podcast takes a reflective turn as Dr. John and Alex explore the importance of human connection in medical practice. Dr. John shares deeply personal stories about the emotional challenges physicians face, such as losing patients and processing grief while maintaining professionalism. He underscores that embracing vulnerability and taking time to process emotions can make doctors more empathetic and effective in their work. The conversation concludes with a reminder for medical professionals to prioritize emotional health and build meaningful relationships with their patients.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Jacob Heninger | Balancing Study, Work, and Well-being

In this episode, Dr. John sits down with Jacob Heninger, a medical ...

In this episode, Dr. John sits down with Jacob Heninger, a medical assistant, Spanish interpreter, and aspiring medical student, to discuss various topics ranging from Jacob's professional journey to life ...balance and self-improvement. The conversation kicks off with Jacob sharing his background, including his mission in Mexico, his experience at BYU, and his aspirations for medical school. He talks about his role in the clinic, helping bridge communication gaps for Spanish-speaking patients, and how this role has prepared him for his future in medicine.

The episode then transitions into a discussion about the concept of balance in life, especially during busy periods like medical school or undergrad. Jacob reflects on his own experiences, noting how prioritizing studies often came at the cost of healthy habits like proper eating and self-care. He shares how he learned the importance of balanced nutrition and lifestyle choices to enhance productivity, avoid burnout, and maintain overall well-being. Dr. John and Jacob also discuss the broader idea of balance, touching on the importance of physical, emotional, and intellectual harmony in life.

Finally, the conversation wraps up with a focus on emotional flexibility and the importance of adjusting one's mindset. Dr. John reflects on his experience as a physician, explaining that having an open mind and being willing to change one’s opinions is crucial in both personal and professional life. Jacob and Dr. John both share how they’ve managed to evolve their thinking over time, whether it's about family dynamics, work-life balance, or dealing with life’s inevitable challenges.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders w/ Brigitte Morales & Jacob Heninger | Broadening Cultural Experience and Reducing Bias

In this episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John hosts two ...

Want care that feels this straightforward?

The podcast is a good place to start. If you’re looking for a primary care team that knows your story, makes time for your questions, and doesn’t rush you out the door, see how membership at Voyage Clinics works.

See Membership & Pricing

How DPC Works

Medicine, Purpose & Human Stories

Medicine, Purpose and Human Stories

7 Decades in Medicine | Lessons on Curiosity and Longevity from Dr. David Barnes

Want care that feels this straightforward?

Pages

Services

Visit Voyage Clinics