Unexpected wisdom stranded in the Denver airport
In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of _Generations_, Peter and Aubrey share unexpected life lessons that shaped who they are. From grueling days in the hospital to missed flights and guardian angels, they reflect on moments that rerouted their life paths in surprising and meaningful ways. Aubrey opens up about leaving medicine behind after working as a CNA, while Peter reveals how waiting tables and working at the bottom rung of a hospital team made him a better surgeon. With stories of failure, grit, kindness, and personal growth, this episode is a reminder that life's best lessons often come from places we least expect.
Episode Notes:
Life Update Catch-Up
- Aubrey's semester is peaking with finals, work, and wedding planning.
- Peter recounts a restful spring break, surgical wins, and a gentle rant about university fundraising.
The Topic: Unexpected Life Lessons
- Prompted by a podcast title she saw, Aubrey kicks off a conversation on the surprising places we learn from.
Aubrey's Lessons
- Working at a children's hospital taught her she didn't want a life in medicine--despite starting as a pre-med.
- Instead, she discovered a love for space and the importance of aligning her career with her values and emotional capacity.
- A failed organic chemistry class was a blessing in disguise, pointing her to a new path.
- A failed AR test in 4th grade (thanks to speeding through The Hobbit) taught her quality over quantity.
- A stranger's kindness during a botched Frontier flight connection became a lasting reminder: People don't always suck.
Peter's Lessons
- Working low-level jobs in a hospital and waiting tables gave him the humility and teamwork skills that make him a better surgeon today.
- Reading voraciously as a kid shaped his communication skills, creative thinking, and confidence in writing--skills that help him every day as a physician and author.
- Being able to smile through chaos (and scumbag customers) was a survival skill learned while serving tables on $2.13/hour.
- Embracing failure as a path to growth--backed up by wise words from Brandon Sanderson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Final Thoughts
- Journaling gets a shoutout as a key tool for reflection and catching those life lessons.
- No medical news this time--just good vibes, honesty, and anticipation for the upcoming Spiritbox concert.
Got your own unexpected life lesson? Drop the hosts a line at feedback@generations.fm
Stay tuned for the next episode in two weeks!