What if the single greatest predictor of your health, resilience, and career satisfaction isn’t a biohack, but your friendships? In this energizing conversation, Professor Emeritus and physician-wellbeing pioneer Dr. Dael Waxman joins Lisa, and Dr. Russ to unpack how authentic connection fuels longevity, lowers burnout, and makes work (and life) a whole lot better.

From simple micro-moves—like a 10-second “thinking of you” text—to culture-shaping leadership practices, Dr. Waxman shows how to build trust across power dynamics, sustain relationships in busy seasons, and create workplaces where meaningful connection can actually happen. You’ll leave with practical, human steps you can do today, no extra time required.

Why listen

• Learn the micro-skills that strengthen friendships in seconds (and why they work).

• Navigate friendship across hierarchies without blurring boundaries.

• Connection-positive ideas you can pilot at work (yes, even if you’re “lonely at the top”).

• Reboot your post-pandemic social muscle with low-risk, high-impact actions.

One powerful prompt to try today
Who just popped into your mind? Send them a one-line text: “You came to mind—cheering you on today.” Notice how you feel—and what comes back.

About Our Guest:
Dael Waxman, MD, PCC is a professionally certified coach who works with individuals, groups, and teams to support leadership, life, and professional well-being. He is also a faculty member at the Healthcare Coaching Institute.

Previously, he served as Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine at Atrium Health – Wake Forest School of Medicine, where he also created the role of Medical Director of Physician Well-being for Medical Education.

Drawing on decades of experience in medicine and coaching, Dael helps people strengthen relationships, foster resilience, and build more supportive workplace cultures.

Outside of work, he enjoys travel, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and—most recently—learning barista skills.

You can connect with Dael at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dael-waxman-md-pcc-18917322/

©Friendship Institute 2025

Friendship Matters™ is intended to help improve our Friendship IQ. While this generally signals an improvement in our overall wellbeing, this podcast is not intended in any way to offer specific counseling or medical advice. Please seek help from a trained professional.