What if stress didn’t have to control how you feel—and you had simple tools to change it, starting today?
[Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Watch on YouTube]
If you’ve been enjoying The Health Feast, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps others find the show—and keeps this Feast growing.
Dr. Robyn Tiger knows this firsthand. Years ago, she was a practicing radiologist with what looked like a perfect life on paper—two kids, a great career, a supportive husband. But behind the scenes, her body was breaking down. Migraines, digestive issues, numbness, anxiety… she went to specialists, ran every test, and took every medication. Nothing helped.
The real diagnosis? Chronic stress.
In this powerful conversation, we dive into Robyn’s journey of healing and how she now helps others reclaim their health through simple, science-backed tools. Robyn is a double board-certified physician, certified yoga therapist, life coach, and the founder of StressFreeMD. I met her through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, where she is a leading expert on mind body medicine, and leads breathwork, yoga, and mindfulness sessions.
In this episode, we discuss:
The hidden ways chronic stress shows up in the body (and why 90% of symptoms seen in primary care have stress as a root cause)
Emotional buffering—why we numb stress with food, alcohol, or overwork, and how to break the cycle
The yoga class that shifted everything for Robyn—and why it worked
Why physician burnout is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue
Practical, evidence-based tools you can use to feel better now (and yes, she guides us through one of them in the episode!)
Robyn’s story is a reminder that feeling better isn’t just possible—it’s a choice. And sometimes, the first step is simply learning how to breathe again.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
—-
💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas?
DM on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife or here on the Substack.
Guest Bio
Dr. Robyn Tiger, MD, DipABLM, is a double board-certified physician in Diagnostic Radiology and Lifestyle Medicine, a certified life coach, and a yoga and meditation therapist. She is the founder of StressFreeMD, where she helps physicians and other busy professionals reverse the effects of chronic stress using evidence-based, practical tools.
Once a high-achieving radiologist whose own health was unraveling—migraines, digestive issues, anxiety, even dark thoughts—Robyn transformed her life after discovering the root cause was unrelenting stress. Her journey led her to train extensively in yoga therapy, meditation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and lifestyle medicine.
Now, through her coaching, courses, and popular StressFreeMD Podcast, she empowers others to break free from emotional buffering, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their health and joy.
Online links
Website: www.stressfreemd.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stressfreemd
Timestamps
00:00 – Chronic Stress and Healing
Robyn Tiger shares her personal health struggles and how she discovered the real cause: chronic stress.
06:07 – Physician Burnout and Recovery
A candid discussion on burnout in medicine and what it takes to heal.
18:39 – Discovering Yoga
Robyn’s first yoga class and how it became the turning point in her journey.
22:54 – From Yoga to Yoga Therapy
How yoga therapy goes beyond stretching to help regulate stress and heal the body.
31:31 – Mind-Body Connection
The science behind how stress affects the body—and how simple practices can reverse it.
42:03 – Changing Medical Education
Why stress management should be a core part of medical training.
57:30 – Stress Response and Buffering
Why we numb emotions with food, alcohol, or overwork—and how to stop.
01:09:47 – Guided Straw Breath Practice
Robyn walks us through a calming breath technique you can try right now.
01:17:52 – More Breathing Tools for Stress Relief
Additional simple techniques to relax your nervous system anywhere, anytime.
01:24:16 – Lifestyle Medicine and Cultural Shifts
How lifestyle medicine is reshaping the way we think about health and well-being.
Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
👊🏽 Join the RAK ON Tribe for live sessions (strength training, breathwork, cook-alongs) + giveaways. Start for free at https://community.rakyourlife.com/
Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe (Men’s Peak or Plant Based) for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
Share this post