The Walls We Build: Self-Protection That Turns into Self-Isolation

In this episode of The Brave Enough Show, Dr. Sasha Shillcutt and Dr. Sunny Smith discuss:  Being lonely in a room full of people  How to tear down the walls we build  Not believing everything we think  "We are meant to live in community with others. When we are vulnerable, authentic, and truthful, we open ourselves up for real connection."  -Dr. Sunny Smith  Dr. Sunny Smith is the Founder and CEO of Empowering Women Physicians, the most effective physician coaching program documented to date. Dr Smith brings her background as an awarded Medical Educator, Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health, and long history of being an advocate for medical student and physician wellness into the coaching space. She leads a comprehensive and collaborative coaching program, podcast, retreats, and Facebook group that seek to change the culture of medicine. Dr. Smith is the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including Humanism in Medicine, Excellence in Teaching, and Outstanding Community Leader award. Her work has been published in many peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA.  She has been in the top 1-2% of female entrepreneurs in the US for the past 6 years and has been featured in Forbes, Inc 5000, and Entrepreneur Magazine.    Brave Balance is about transforming your professional and personal life in a safe, small group setting. You will grow deep in self-awareness, set clear boundaries, and develop strong time management skills to create the work-life balance you desperately need (and deserve). Change your mindset to let unhealthy behaviors go, and create long-lasting work-life control so you can live well on YOUR terms. Brave Enough 2026 CME Conference For ten years, women have gathered at the Brave Enough Conference to step away from the demands of medicine and into a space of renewal. This anniversary year, we celebrate a decade of empowerment and sisterhood—ten years of lifting each other up, reigniting purpose, and remembering that none of us has to do this alone. Join us September 24-27, 2026 at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa. Follow Brave Enough:   WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Join The Table, Brave Enough's community. The ONLY professional membership group that meets both the professional and personal needs of high-achieving women.