Sage Connections with Luba

What does it really take to become an NHL goalie? In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with professional NHL goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to explore the journey to one of the most demanding positions in professional sports. We discuss Alex's path from youth hockey to the NHL, the sacrifices and dedication required to compete at the highest level, and the mindset that has helped him n...

Why do we dream, and what actually happens in our brains while we sleep? In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Dr. Meeta Singh, board-certified sleep physician and psychiatrist, to explore the fascinating science of sleep. We discuss why sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, what happens during the different stages of sleep, why we dream, recurring dreams and nightm...

Are seed oils actually harmful, or has the conversation gone too far? In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with David DiFiore to explore one of the most debated topics in nutrition today: seed oils. We discuss what seed oils are, how they became so prevalent in the modern diet, why they have been promoted as "heart healthy" for decades, and some of the concerns that have been...

What exactly is sound healing, and how can sound and vibration affect the body and nervous system? In this episode of Sage Connections, Kathryn Watterson joins me for a conversation about sound healing, nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and the connection between sound, frequency, and overall wellness. We discuss the history of sound healing, what happens during a session, how sound may...

What are the true limits of the human mind and body, and what happens when you push far beyond them? In this episode, I sit down with JD Tremblay, an ultra-endurance athlete who completed the EpicDeca, ten Ironman-distance triathlons in ten consecutive days across multiple Hawaiian islands. We talk about what it really takes to endure that level of physical and mental stress, including the role of...

Is magnesium just another trending supplement or is it actually essential for your health? In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Dr. Suzanna Paris for a third time to break down everything you need to know about magnesium. From stress and sleep to muscle function and overall wellness, magnesium plays a critical role in the body, yet so many people are deficient without even realizin...

In this episode, we’re doing a deep dive into pelvic floor physical therapy what it actually is how it works and why it plays such a critical role in your overall health. I’m joined by my good friend and fellow pelvic floor physical therapist Natalia Avelar. This conversation is especially exciting for me because this is truly my bread and butter the work I do every single day and something I’m de...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Dan Mozes, owner of Ethos Human Performance Gym, to talk about what it really takes to train at the highest levels of sport. Dan has worked with athletes ranging from everyday individuals looking to get stronger and move better to elite competitors, including Olympic athletes. In this conversation, we explore what separates elite performers from...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined again by Melissa Roberts, Transformational Relationship & Life Coach and creator of Gumball Love, to talk about the myths people carry into modern dating — and how those beliefs shape the way we experience relationships. Instead of focusing on who is doing dating “wrong,” we explore the stories many of us quietly believe about timing, age, attrac...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Allie Babcock, MPH, RDN, DipACLM to explore how personalized genetics influences nutrition, inflammation, recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health. We discuss what genetic testing for lifestyle actually means, how it differs from ancestry testing, and why two people can follow the same plan yet experience completely different results. Thi...

Many parents are told their child has ADHD, but still feel that something deeper is going on. In this episode of Sage Connections, we explore trauma in children and how it can intersect with neurodivergence, especially ADHD. We talk about how trauma impacts the nervous system, why meltdowns and behaviors are often misunderstood, and what trauma informed support can actually look like for kids and...

What does it really mean to raise a strong boy? In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Megan E. Branstetter, LMSW, a licensed social worker who works with adolescent boys and their families. We talk about emotional availability in boys, why so many boys don’t feel they have a safe place to express feelings, and how caregivers can build emotional literacy early and often. This conversat...

Tummy tuck recovery is widely misunderstood. Some people are told surgery is a “quick fix,” while others are told they should never need surgery at all. The reality is far more nuanced. In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Lisa Marie Ryan, co-creator of Tummy Tuck Rehab. Lisa is a former competitive CrossFit athlete, coach, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism specialist—and she...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Andre Kzirian, owner of Troy City Fitness and Game Day Men’s Health in Southfield, for a grounded, evidence-based conversation on fitness, nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, and peptides—and how these systems work together to drive real results. We explore why training alone isn’t always enough, how nutrition and hormones influence fat loss a...

Episode 20 — and our first-ever live recording! Today I’m joined by Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP), PhD in Sport Physiology, and one of the most respected educators in strength training, hypertrophy, and recovery. In this episode, we break down recovery from multiple angles — physical, psychological, and identity-driven — and explore how fatigue, stress, mindset, a...

Welcome to Sage Connections, where wellness meets community. In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Roberts, creator of Gumball Love, to talk about the relationship patterns that keep us stuck — and how to finally break free to find love that lasts. We dive into the concept of “Gumball Love”, why toxic dynamics are so addictive, and how these cycles can take a toll not only on our emotional well...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Staci Sadowski, founder of SMPL Tallow, to talk about how simple, natural ingredients can transform skincare. Staci shares the story of starting her brand, what makes tallow unique, and why it may be the nourishing solution your skin has been looking for. We explore the benefits of tallow for different skin types, including pregnancy and postpar...

In this episode, I sit down with Gayle Shotkin, LCSW and AASECT-certified sex therapist, to explore how pelvic floor physical therapy and sexual health therapy can work together to support mind, body, and intimacy. We discuss: - How pelvic floor dysfunction can affect intimacy and relationships- Why addressing both emotional and physical health is key to healing- How therapy and PT can complement...

In this episode of Sage Connections with Luba, we dive deep into perimenopause and the crucial role estrogen plays in this transitional phase of life. Dr. Luba Khakham, PT, DPT is joined by Dr. Suzanna Paris, ND to explore the hormonal shifts during perimenopause and how they impact women’s health, mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause yourself or see...

There’s a lot of buzz around ozone therapy — but what is ozone therapy, how does it work, and who can benefit? In this episode of Sage Connections, Dr. Luba Khakham sits down with Mallory Capp, RN and founder of Michigan Immune Defense, to explore the science, benefits, and common misconceptions about ozone therapy. If you’ve ever wondered:What is ozone therapy? What are the benefits of ozone ther...

What does it take to win—not just on the scoreboard, but in your mind? 🏆 In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Bruce Wahl, 3 time North American Bike Polo champion, to uncover the mindset of champions. From mental toughness and focus to bouncing back when the odds are stacked against you, this is sports psychology in action. We dive into:- The mental vs. physical side of elite perf...

Menopause does not have to mean weakness or decline. It can be a time to build strength, vitality, and confidence. In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined once again by podcast favorite Dr. Suzanna Paris, a naturopathic doctor who brings a holistic perspective to women’s health. Together, we explore:- Why building and maintaining muscle is critical during menopause- How hormonal changes af...

Welcome back to Sage Connections! In this episode, I’m joined by Marie Wall, MSN, CNM, an experienced midwife who has dedicated her career to supporting women through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Together, we explore how midwives and pelvic floor physical therapists can work hand-in-hand to guide women through every stage of this journey — from preparing the body for birth,...

In this episode of Sage Connections, we’re revisiting a powerful Instagram Live conversation from July with Natalie Turner, ABF, to explore the fascinating world of Access Bars. Access Bars is a gentle hands-on modality designed to help release limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and create more ease in the mind and body. Natalie shares how this technique works, what you can expect from a session, an...

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Dr. Fadi Assaf, D.D.S. for a conversation about the powerful ways oral health influences the rest of the body. We explore the relationship between the jaw, posture, and overall physical function, how breathing patterns shape jaw development and sleep, and what to look out for during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Assaf also shares insights on tongu...