All Episodes

April 8, 2025 56 mins

I'm thrilled to share some incredible insights from our latest podcast episode. This week, I had a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Stella Villacorta, a remarkable guest who shared her personal journey and deep insights into the U.S. healthcare system.

🎙️ Episode Highlights: Healthcare Challenges and Personal Journeys

A Journey from War to Medicine: Dr. Villacorta’s family fled the Bosnian-Serbian war, immigrating to the U.S. when she was just six. Despite the trauma, they built a fulfilling life in Chicago, inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine.

The Broken Healthcare System: She likens the healthcare system to a chaotic restaurant where the chef (doctor) is overwhelmed and disconnected from diners (patients). The pressures on doctors to see 20-30 patients a day lead to rushed appointments and a lack of genuine care.

Concierge Medicine: A New Approach: Dr. Villacorta has opted out of traditional insurance models, choosing a concierge practice to provide personalized care. This model allows for in-depth consultations and a focus on individual health needs without the constraints of insurance companies.

The Financial Burden of Healthcare: High insurance premiums often don't translate to better care. She advocates for catastrophic care plans to protect against unexpected medical expenses, sharing her own battle with breast cancer as a poignant example.

The Importance of Proactive Health: Emphasizes the pillars of health—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. She shares insights from elderly patients who maintain good health through moderation, regular movement, and a positive mindset.

Family and Technology: Discusses the impact of technology on family interactions and the importance of undistracted time together. Highlights the value of community support among parents who share similar values regarding technology and parenting.

Living Within Means and Gratitude: Advocates for a frugal lifestyle and the psychological benefits of living within one's means. Shares personal practices of gratitude and the importance of nurturing personal relationships.

Personal Growth and Relationships: Encourages listeners to focus on self-improvement to positively influence their relationships. Uses the metaphor of "watering one’s own grass" to emphasize investing in what you have rather than constantly seeking something better.

🌿 Curiosities and Thought-Provoking Ideas

  • Pharmaceutical Companies and Ultra-Processed Foods: Are they selling us the sickness and the cure?
  • The Role of Boredom in Childhood Development: How can it foster creativity and problem-solving skills?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Especially among teenagers, how can we mitigate this?

Don't miss out on this eye-opening episode! Tune in to hear more about these fascinating topics and gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and life itself.

Thank you for being part of our community. Your support means the world to me!

Send us a text

Check out our videos and short-form content on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@JoelGandara

31 Days to Become a Better Man - Challenge Course - Level Up in All Areas of Your Life
https://31dailychallenges.com/


Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.