In Part 4 of our Fair Play series, Katie sits down with her husband, Dr. Talon Harris, to share what it actually looks like to implement Fair Play during residency. They talk about rotating schedules, invisible labor, and the "default parent" dynamic, plus the systems that helped their household feel calmer and more predictable even in a demanding season.

In This Episode, We Cover

How they discovered Fair Play, and why it clicked
Why the cards felt validating, and also overwhelming at first
The challenge of residency schedules, and "planned unpredictability"
The shift from "helping" to full ownership (and why it matters)
Practical systems they built for mornings, meals, laundry, and bedtime
Encouragement for resident couples who feel too stretched thin to start

Key Takeaways

Start small: pick a few high-frequency pain points first (morning rush, meals, laundry).
Ownership reduces resentment: shared responsibility can feel like both people doing everything.
Systems create relief: predictability lowers stress for partners and kids.
Residency is not an excuse to disengage, it is a reason to get intentional.

Timestamps (approx.)

00:00 Intro and why this conversation is personal
02:00 How they found Fair Play
04:00 The "visual stack" and the reality check moment
06:00 Why rotations break systems, and how to adapt
10:00 Moving from "How can I help?" to ownership
12:00 Their real-life systems (mornings, meals, laundry)
17:00 Katie returning to full-time work and the forced shift in roles
20:00 Advice for other resident couples

Connect With Us

Follow on Instagram: @supportingphysicianspouses
Email: hello@supportingphysicianspouses.com (send guest ideas, topics, or listener stories)

Episode 36: Fair Play in Residency, How a Physician Couple Divides the Mental Load