The Work Seminar is the podcast for people with liberal arts advanced degrees considering work outside their fields of study. Join me for unscripted conversations with MAs, MFAs, PhDs, and the like who made the leap to adjacent or (seemingly) unrelated work after grad school. You'll hear about life's unexpected turns, what guests have learned along the way, their thoughts and advice for finding enjoyable work, and work's role in their lives.
…
continue reading
Equipping you to successfully pursue the college of your dreams. I believe that the world needs every student to reach their full potential. College admittance shouldn't hold you back. I'm an educator and Harvard grad who has been in your shoes. I designed this podcast to accompany the Ivy League Challenge (my online course) to support my listeners. I've met with graduates, admissions officers, and professors to identify the criteria used to select candidates. I've crafted a road map for suc ...
…
continue reading
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!
…
continue reading
The Non-Immigrant Student podcast is an audio journal of my grad-school (and now corporate) journey in the United States of America. It is an inspirational podcast that seeks to encourage and provide guidance to other non-immigrant students across the globe on how to live their best lives while fulfilling their Study/Work Abroad dreams or living far away home! My stories reveal all the lessons I'm learning on this journey, and I honestly believe that ''If I can do it, you can do it too!'' So ...
…
continue reading

1
Ananda Lewis, Former MTV VJ, SHOCKING Breast Cancer Decision
34:55
34:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:55SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We start off by discussing medical myths/traditions we should retire. We then talk about MTV personality Ananda Lewis, who died at age 52 from breast cancer after rejecting medical treatment in favor of detoxification. We dive deep into why patients have lost trust i…
…
continue reading

1
Trump's Bill's Caps On Grad School Loans Could Worsen Doctor Shortage
15:24
15:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:24SEND 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Personal Statement College Essay Workshop wk 2 Your Garbage Draft
13:46
13:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:46You’ve done the hard thinking. You’ve found your insights, explored your contradictions, and reflected deeply. But now you’re stuck—staring at a blank page, unsure how to turn those ideas into a compelling college essay. In this episode, Steve explains why the next step is not perfection—it’s motion. You’ll learn how to choose the right moment to w…
…
continue reading

1
The REALITY of Balancing Locums Life and Relationships
34:35
34:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:35SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We share some medical school scholarship opportunities and then answer a listener's question on what happens when your partner has a seasonal job in one location, but the best locum work opportunities are elsewhere. Dr. Love Anani also joined us over the phone and we…
…
continue reading

1
Is it Sustainable To Work 24/7 Calls As A Doctor For A Week Every Month?
34:24
34:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:24SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Is a 24/7 call one week per month sustainable for an entire career? This question strikes at the heart of physician work-life balance, career longevity, and personal wellbeing. From personal experiences, these schedules cause sleep disruption, cognitive impairment, a…
…
continue reading
If you’ve been putting off your college essay, dreading it like a monkey on your back—you’re not alone. But what if you could stop trying to sound impressive and start telling a story that actually matters? In this episode, I’ll guide you through the exact questions and strategies we used in the first week of my Personal Statement Workshop to help …
…
continue reading

1
REPLAY: What medical leaders need to know about Pre-Meds #282
45:40
45:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:40SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Things to expect in this episode: We’re in Denver, CO at the AACOM Educating Leaders Conference! We talk about our responses during the first-ever panel dedicated to Dr. Meta Christy, the first Black Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. We’re partnering with locumstory.co…
…
continue reading

1
Mistakes We Did In Med School That We Regret Now As Clinicians/Doctors
26:05
26:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:05SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We reflect on our medical school experiences, sharing regrets and lessons learned that have shaped our perspectives as practicing doctors. So what medical school mistakes do you regret? FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lp…
…
continue reading

1
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Breakdown: After The $100K Student Loan Cap How Will You Pay for College?
17:56
17:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:56SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We unpack the latest news on a controversial bill that could drastically change higher education by capping federal student loans at $20K per year and a total lifetime limit of $100K. While it sounds simple on the surface, the implications are massive and may push st…
…
continue reading

1
How Student Loan Changes Could Reshape Medical Education
18:49
18:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:49SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! There's a new bill being discussed that aims to cap federal student loans. We discuss how this move could deepen inequality and disproportionately affect students from less privileged backgrounds. Check out the video for more financial education and how proposed stud…
…
continue reading

1
My 2-Mile Time Trial Run Did NOT Go as Planned!
8:21
8:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:21SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We were in Houston, Texas recently and I did a 2-mile time trial. Let’s just say towards the end I was struggling. Y’all know I have a goal of bench pressing 250 pounds and running a 5K in under 20 minutes. I will keep updating you on my progress. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 C…
…
continue reading
The personal statement can be one of the most confusing and stressful parts of the college application — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I share a few key do's and don'ts to help you avoid common pitfalls and start your essay with clarity and confidence. Whether you're staring at a blank page or already brainstorming ideas, these tips w…
…
continue reading

1
REPLAY: Meet Dr. Trevor: Nomadic Pediatric, Making Ortho Surgery Money, $300K Student Debt Loan Slayer #292
56:31
56:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:31SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii sits down with Trevor Cabrera, who completed his residency training in General Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and then transitioned to working as an exclusive Locum Tenens provider. Listen in as Dr. Cabrera, also known as T…
…
continue reading

1
How to Get the College Essay Monkey Off Your Back — Before July
14:47
14:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:47The personal statement is one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the college application. In this short, powerful episode, Steve Gardner explains why so many students struggle to get started, what the real purpose of the personal statement is, and how families can reduce stress and gain a competitive edge now, before summer slips …
…
continue reading

1
REPLAY: Medical Students Financial Implications. #397
59:14
59:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:14SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! As we navigate the tumultuous seas of medical education's financial demands, you'll discover the myriad of ways it shapes decisions, lifestyles, and the future of healthcare. Joined by Dr. Love Anani from the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), we're celebra…
…
continue reading
You’ve made it to the end of AP season—or you're just about to. So… what now? In this episode, I share what successful students actually do after their exams are over to prepare for college applications. These are the same strategies used by Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT admits—and they’re simple, clear, and powerful. You’ll learn: Why the summer a…
…
continue reading
Are you feeling pressure to make the most of summer—but not sure what actually matters for college admissions? In this episode, Steve Gardner breaks down the three most common mistakes high-achieving students make when planning their summer... and shows you how to avoid them. You’ll meet: Sophia, who overloaded her schedule trying to impress colleg…
…
continue reading

1
Will an Out-of-State Locums LLC Lower Your Taxes?
14:53
14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:53SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We tackle a listener question about establishing an LLC in a tax-friendly state while living in high-tax New York City. We discuss the complexities of multi-state taxation, what it's like juggling business entities across state lines and why getting a CPA is necessar…
…
continue reading

1
My Calendar Disaster Taught Me a Big Lesson!
23:25
23:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:25SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The hidden power of your CV isn't something they teach in medical school. In this episode we talk about aspects of locum tenens work that every physician should understand before entering this space. Remember: nobody cares about your schedule, finances and career tra…
…
continue reading
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us as we address a question from Jay on how to balance working while studying. Through personal stories and actionable advice, we explain why your medical school dreams remain within reach with strategic planning and unwavering determination. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 C…
…
continue reading

1
Being Denied Entry Into Med School Twice And Why Pre-Meds Need Strategic Planning
22:10
22:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:10SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Balancing a job while preparing for medical school can feel like an impossible task. It's a rocky terrain many pre-meds must navigate. We start off with Dr. Nii giving his own story of being rejected from med school twice and how he changed his strategy and later got…
…
continue reading

1
Sinners Movie by Ryan Coogler Explained: Hidden Meanings and Historical References
16:46
16:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:46SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Prepare to be captivated by our deep dive into Ryan Coogler's ambitious film "Sinners" that delivers stunning visuals, powerful performances, and weaves themes of racism, colonialism, and religious tension into a horror framework. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Bef…
…
continue reading

1
Why SNMA Students are the Future of Medicine & A Message To Program Directors
12:59
12:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:59SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We dive into the crucial financial knowledge gap in medical education and share powerful insights from our session at the Student National Medical Association's annual conference. We also talk about why the journey from pre-med to medical leadership positions showcas…
…
continue reading
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Our discussion stems from a shocking case of obstetrical abuse where an attending deliberately created a fourth-degree laceration on a Black patient who had just delivered her baby without complications, solely so a resident could practice the repair. We go deep into…
…
continue reading
SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us for a discussion about prenuptial agreements among physicians as we reveal why we ultimately decided against a prenup in our marriage. We also reflect on a recent presentation at the Student National Medical Association conference where we educated medical st…
…
continue reading

1
How My Daughter Got Into Dartmouth, by Tessymol Jose
48:13
48:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:13Steve sits down with Tessymol Jose — the inspiring mother of Erica, one of our incredible students — to tell the full, raw story of their college admissions journey. This isn’t a sugar-coated success story. It’s a front-row seat to the overwhelming pressure, confusion, and heartbreak that so many ambitious students (and their families) experience w…
…
continue reading

1
Mastering Real Estate Investment As A Medical Professional
1:02:24
1:02:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:24SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Dr. Jim Dahle, the founder of White Coat Investor joins us in sharing candid insights on real estate investment for physicians, challenging common home ownership myths and helping doctors align investment strategies with their lifestyle goals. Our conversation then s…
…
continue reading

1
Should You Buy or Rent A House During Residency?
13:58
13:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:58SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Drawing from personal experience, buying a home during residency remains a significant financial gamble. If you're a medical student approaching residency and considering buying your first home, contemplating a real estate investment, or reevaluating your financial p…
…
continue reading

1
Why Real Estate Investing Is The Fastest Way To Wealth.
14:16
14:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:16SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! According to The White Coat Investor, the fastest path to build wealth and attain financial independence as a doctor is through building a rental empire. Physicians face unique challenges when building wealth through real estate while balancing demanding careers and …
…
continue reading

1
The Future Of Public Service Loan Forgiveness For Doctors Explained
18:12
18:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:12SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The financial landscape for physicians has never been more complex. Student loan strategies have become particularly challenging with policy changes occurring almost weekly. For those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the advice remains steady: stay the cours…
…
continue reading

1
Quick-Fire Questions with The White Coat Investor | Real Estate, Careers, Student Loans & More!
14:21
14:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:21SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us for a Q&A session with Dr. Jim Dahle, the founder of The White Coat Investor. We asked him questions on various topics like, whether doctors are white collar or blue collar workers, PSLF, Locums and real estate investment timing. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerati…
…
continue reading
This episode is a special one — made especially for parents of Curiosity Lab students, but meaningful for anyone raising a curious preteen. Inside, Steve shares: Why curiosity is a skill, not a personality trait — and why that matters The five core pillars of the Curiosity Lab (and how they work together) Three powerful ways parents can support cur…
…
continue reading

1
We had $662,000 DEBT and Transitioned Out Of Traditional Medicine
58:26
58:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:26SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Are you feeling trapped by crushing student loan debt? Well you're not alone. In our conversation, we reveal how we transitioned from traditional medical employment to locum tenens work even with so much debt. Beyond the money, we also talked about other topics like …
…
continue reading

1
How We Transitioned Out Of Traditional Medicine With MASSIVE Debt
32:42
32:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:42SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Can I change how I practice medicine when I'm drowning in so much debt? This is a question that we are answering on how we managed to pay off a staggering $662,000 in student loans while transitioning out of traditional medicine. If you are ready to rethink how you p…
…
continue reading

1
How We Handled Discrimination We Faced During Med School And Residency
27:20
27:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:20SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! In this raw, unfiltered conversation we take personal turns to address how we dealt with discrimination in medicine. From being questioned about academic achievements to facing targeted harassment during training. We also talked about pursuing locums which is an alte…
…
continue reading

1
REPLAY: Why the average doc is not a millionaire #310
42:56
42:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:56SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Nii and Renée return from their Disney vacation to discuss Money Trap #5. This conversation is about what physicians, at every level, should be spending their money on. They also discuss the perceived notion that all doctors are millionaires and the reality and impli…
…
continue reading

1
How Passion Actually Works: From Disengagement to Mastery
1:03:37
1:03:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:37Most teens today feel overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in the race to be impressive — all while secretly wondering: “How do some students become so great, so young?” In this episode, we break down the real process of building passion and achieving meaningful success — not by performing for approval, but by discovering purpose and leaning into long…
…
continue reading

1
Steps To Get Into Med School With LOW GPA & 10+ yrs Since Graduating
10:01
10:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:01SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Your dreams of becoming a doctor don't come with an expiration date, but they do require careful planning and strategy especially for non-traditional students. In this episode we advise a listener who is interested in getting into med school on the steps she can take…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating Non-Traditional Medical School Applications
19:25
19:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:25SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Join us for an insightful and fun conversation as we answer a listener's question on becoming a better candidate before applying to med school, even with a low GPA. We discuss what it truly takes to pursue medical school as a non-traditional student and why having a …
…
continue reading

1
Can Dr. Nii BREAK 20 Minutes in a 5K Run & Bench 250 Pounds?
20:06
20:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:06SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We discuss whether Dr. Nii has what it takes to achieve his fitness goals of breaking 20 Minutes in a 5K Race and also benching 250 pounds. We then relate it to taking the MCAT's and studying in med school. Whether you're a pre-med student or a medical trainee this e…
…
continue reading

1
The Hidden Test: What Colleges are Really Looking For
24:23
24:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:23What if the real test in college admissions isn’t the one you think it is? In this episode, we unpack “The Hidden Test”—the one that’s not on any syllabus and can’t be studied for with flashcards. Drawing from a powerful psychological experiment, wisdom from Ivy League deans Lee Coffin (Dartmouth) and Logan Powell (Brown), and real insights from th…
…
continue reading

1
Medical Specialties That Offer MORE Freedom & Better Work Life Balance.
13:12
13:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:12SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Drawing from our combined experiences, we tackle a question from our longtime listener Jamar, on which medical specialties truly allow physicians to leave their work at work, maintaining boundaries between professional and personal lives? Listen now to gain perspecti…
…
continue reading

1
The Truth About Working Locums: Is It Worth It?
16:08
16:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:08SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Work-life balance in medicine isn't about finding time away from work. It's about knowing what works for you. Satisfaction in medicine often comes down to finding the practice style that matches your preferences. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum…
…
continue reading

1
Surviving the Bullies in Medical Training
18:27
18:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:27SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! The transition to residency brings excitement and new challenges but it also introduces the harsh reality of bullying in medical training. We explore strategies to identify, address, and overcome mistreatment during residency with our guest, Dr. Lattisha Bilbrew. She…
…
continue reading

1
RED FLAGS To Watch Out For When Selecting Residency Programs.
19:44
19:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:44SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! When facing a bully in medicine, your strongest defense is competence. Identifying problematic programs before committing to them is very important. If you've ever faced professional intimidation or worry about encountering it in your medical career, this discussion …
…
continue reading

1
Effective Strategies for Dealing with Bullies in Medicine Successfully
22:27
22:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:27SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Bullying during residency has become normalized through what Dr. Bilbrew calls a "trauma response," where attending physicians justify harsh treatment with the familiar refrain: "I survived, so you should too." Dr. Bilbrew then shares powerful strategies for handling…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce something brand new — Curiosity Lab, a program designed to ignite the minds of 10–13-year-olds through real-world learning, led by inspiring high school mentors. Our very first teacher is Ava, a passionate and thoughtful high school student who’s teaching the first Curiosity Lab unit on public speaking. Av…
…
continue reading

1
Running a CRAZY Spartan 5K Race With The Boys.
7:37
7:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:37SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! Dr. Nii shares his experience conquering a Spartan 5K Race with his boys. From the mud pits, rope climbs, among many other activities. He also shares his fitness goals for this year. FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpage…
…
continue reading

1
Why Seek Medical Help Then REFUSE Treatment?
20:47
20:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:47SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We explore the puzzling behavior of patients who seek hospital care yet refuse recommended treatments. This fascinating contradiction guides our conversation, sparked by a viral video of a mother who brought her child to the hospital but proudly announced her refusal…
…
continue reading

1
A Doctor Performing Surgery While On Cocaine.
10:09
10:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:09SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE!!! Let Drs. Nii & Renee know what you think about the show! We analyze public reaction to news of a urologist testing positive for cocaine while performing surgeries. The social media comments revealed a plot twist with most of the public claiming that substance abuse is commonplace among medical professionals. FREE DOWNLOAD …
…
continue reading