The Physio Diaries

In episode 45, Mel and Al chat with Angie Tiwari, founder of Tiwari Yoga and UNEARTHED Yoga. They dig into the holistic nature of yoga, emphasizing its roots beyond physical postures to include mental and spiritual practices. Angie shares insights on the interconnectedness of yoga and Ayurveda, the importance of understanding one's body and mind, and the benefits of traditional practices like...

YOU HAVE ENTERED THE BREAKROOM. In episode 44 Mel and Al spill the tea on all the latest happenings—starting with Mel’s big move to Savannah, Georgia, her gum grafting journey (ouch!), and taking a dry needling course. The duo gets real about the highs and lows of life as travel physical therapists, including Al’s first backpacking adventure where she slept in the woods, to a wild bachelorette wee...

In episode 43, Al and Mel sit down with Vinny Crispino, founder of Pain Academy, to unpack his groundbreaking approach to pain and recovery. Vinny shares how his own injury as a competitive athlete sparked a deep dive into movement-based healing. The conversation explores why foundational work like posture, breath, and control are game-changers for chronic pain, and how Pain Academy is redefining...

In episode 42, Mel & Al are breaking down the hottest wellness trends to figure out what’s actually good for you—and what’s just a viral money grab. We’re talking waist trainers, cold plunges, beef tallow skincare, IV drips, castor oil packs, and lymphatic drainage. From crushed organs and clogged pores to actual science-backed benefits (hello endorphins and improved circulation), we’re giving...

In episode 41, Mel & Al sit down with Jenna Mok to discuss the transformative power of Pilates in managing back pain and how she avoided spine surgery in her 20s. Jenna shares her personal journey from a corporate career to becoming a certified Pilates instructor after getting diagnoses with spondylolisthesis, stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. They get real about the misconceptions surr...

In episode 40, Mel & Al open up about the realities of life as a travel PT. They delve into the emotional and social challenges of being on the road, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining friendships and relationships while constantly moving. They get real about their loneliness, the intentional effort it takes to make new connections, but maintain long distance friendships, and having he...

In  episode 39, Mel and Al  interview Jess Montoya, Living water expert and founder of Fortune 9.5. The conversation delves into the importance of water quality, molecular hydrogen water (H2, not H2O), the misconceptions surrounding the American water supply, and the health implications of contaminants like agent orange, fluoride, and chlorine. Jess shares her personal journey with living water, i...

YOU HAVE ENTERED THE BREAK ROOM. In episode 38 of our Break Room Talks segment, Mel & Al share their recent experiences, with Mel’s wild trip to Mexico City filled with fire ants, hot air balloons, third wheeling, and exploring. Al updates us on her recent travel job where something actually went wrong for the first contract ever, with a rough start to her recent travel job. Mel & Al play...

In episode 37, Mel and Al chat with former Olympic Rhythmic Gymnast Jenny Rokhman, Esq. We get into the brutally honest truth of what it takes to become an Olympic gymnast. From when she started her gymnastics journey at age 7 to going to the Rio Olympics in 2016, and now becoming an Employment & Personal Injury Lawyer. Jenny shares her emotional experiences and daily sacrifices her and her te...

In episode 36 of the Physio Diaries podcast, Mel chats with  Stephanie Petersen  NASM-PT, CNT, OTS,  about gut health, juice cleanses, the importance of nutritional health in healthcare, and the journey into occupational therapy ( and travel OT). They get real personal about their own health experiences, the impact of diet and nutrition on conditions like Crohn's disease, and the importance of...

⁠ In episode 35 of the Physio Diaries podcast, hosts Mel & Al share their experiences as recent graduates as they look back and reflect on navigating the challenges of grad school. They discuss the intense study habits required, the importance of building friendships and community, and managing school and life balance. Their candid conversation offers insights and advice for current and future...

In episode 34, Mel & Al interview Jenn Tran, Reality TV star, social media personality, and Physician Assistant Student. We get the inside scoop on the life changing call Jenn received while in PA school clinical rotation to go on the Bachelor (Season 28). Jenn then became The Bachelorette (Season 21), and then went on Dancing With the Stars (Season 33), all while navigating PA School. Althoug...

⁠ You have entered the BREAK ROOM. In episode 33, Mel & Al give you life updates, their girls weekend in Seattle, the struggles of getting old, and answer your questions. If you are in need of a life debrief and rant session this is for you. Thank you for listening, we love you Physio friends! We will see you next month for our next Break Room Talks. Enjoy! Free Week of Night Lips  ⁠ ⁠ Sign up...

In episode 32, Mel & Al interview Nikki Nguyen BSN, RN who is an esthetic nurse. Nikki shares her journey as she started working as an oncology nurse, to leaving healthcare, then pivoting to becoming a nurse esthetician in Seattle, WA. We talk about everything from her journey to esthetics and all you need to know about botox, filler, and Nikki’s skin care tips. Enjoy! Nikki Nguyen ⁠ Free Week...

In episode 31, Al & Mel discuss the challenges of maintaining healthy routines while traveling and emphasize the importance of pre, during, and post-trip routines. They share personal experiences and tips on packing essentials, managing food choices, and planning itineraries for trips. The conversation highlights the significance of staying committed to healthy habits even during travel, and t...

In episode 30, Mel and Al interview Aliya Brooks, also known as  Ageless Mobility on social media. They talk about everything you need to know about stretching, how long to hold stretches, the differences between dynamic/static stretches, research around stretching, aging, and more! Aliya also has a juicing business based out of Atlanta and the three discuss the benefits of juicing and how it is i...

In episode 29, Mel and Al discuss the essentials of being a travel healthcare worker, focusing on the differences between internal and external travel jobs, interview tips, patient caseload expectations, salary negotiation, and the importance of asking the right questions during interviews. They also address listener questions about travel contracts and things to consider before signing a contract...

In episode 28, Mel and Al dive into the world of pain neuroscience, exploring how our nervous system processes pain and the emotional aspects tied to it. They discuss the complexity of pain, including different types such as nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain. The conversation highlights the significant role of psychology in pain perception, emphasizing the importance of education and...

In episode 27, Mel and Al have guest Dr. Odell Miller PT, DPT on the podcast. They talk about everything from  unconventional paths taken by new graduates in Physical/Occupational therapy, particularly in travel jobs and entrepreneurship. Odell gives powerful advice on mindset shifts you need to make to become an entrepreneur and think business. They talk about all the things you didn’t learn in s...

In this months Break Room Talks Episode, Mel & Al catch up on their lives, travel stories to San Francisco and Arizona, and Mel’s journey with Acupuncture. No topic is off limits this episode! They finally reveal their next travel assignments, expose their salaries, and  create a petition for a 32 hour work week. They end the episode with their Q & A segment from questions they received on...

In Episode 25, Mel and Al discuss the complexities and frustrations of the American healthcare system, drawing on personal experiences and insights from Dr. Casey Means, a medical professional who pivoted from traditional medicine to a more holistic approach. They emphasize the importance of addressing root causes of health issues, the lack of nutrition education in medical training, and the need...

In episode 24, Mel and Al reflect on their first year in healthcare, discussing key lessons they learned and wish they had been told before hand. They talk about everything from prioritizing your own health, continuous learning, networking,  balancing personal identity with professional roles, and more. These are 10 lessons all healthcare and wellness professionals need to listen to. Enjoy! ⁠ Free...

In Episode 23, Mel and Al get controversial. They talk about wellness trends in the media that you are constantly seeing but not many are actually explaining the research and the importance of misinformation. They debunk myths surrounding cortisol-related conditions like moon face & having high cortisol levels. What low-tox living means, focusing on the dangers of plastics and harmful chemical...

Episode 22 of the Physio Diaries Podcast, Mel and Al interview Dr. Nikol Manov, DMD. She shares her journey into dentistry, what it is like being a young woman in healthcare, holistic approaches to dentistry, and more! She gives you a lot of great information for oral hygiene and also talk about the truth about mouth tape that others aren’t sharing with you. Nikol has a mouth tape/night lip busine...

In episode 21, Mel & Al  have another break rooms talks segment. They catch up on their lives, discussing everything from starting at their new clinics, Alice’s journey with Naturopathic medicine, new hobbies, and answering your questions you have submitted!  ⁠ Sign up for our Newsletter! ⁠ ⁠ Ask us questions ⁠ ⁠ Find travel jobs ⁠ ⁠⁠ The Physio Diaris IG ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ The Physio Diaries Tik Tok ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠...