The Recovery Room

**Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Women in Athletic Training** Athletic training was once a “men’s club,” but trailblazing women have shattered that perception. In this episode, we highlight pioneers who paved the way for future generations. From Kaye Cosby, the first female certified AT in NATA (1972), to Sue Falsone, the first female head AT in pro sports with the Dodgers, these women redefined...

Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling a busy career? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we break down practical ways to incorporate fitness and wellness into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed. We’ll help you define your goals—whether it’s building healthy habits, improving fitness, or making small lifestyle changes—and choose activities that work for YOU. We’ll also ta...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alice Barnes, PT, DPT, SCS, a former D1 lacrosse athlete at Michigan who transformed her experience on the field into a thriving career in sports physical therapy. Dr. Barnes is the CEO of The Performance Shift , a clinic designed to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. She shares her journey from athlete to clinician, revealing how her collegiate exp...

As we close out Black History Month, we celebrate the trailblazing Black excellence at Super Bowl 59. From Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes , the standout Black quarterbacks, to the historic presence of Autumn Lockwood , the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl, we highlight the incredible Black talent on both teams. The Eagles and Chiefs also featured impactful Black athletic trainers like...

In the season of love it’s only right we talk about maintaining love and relationships while in the hustle and bustle of sport. Tune in to hear from Darian Bryant, a Tight Ends Coach at Wilkes University who just so happens to be in a relationship with Real Talk co-host, Asha ! From college to working professionals hear how they navigate distance and demand!

February is often associated with love and connection, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness and grief. In today’s episode, we dive into the reality of experiencing these emotions while still showing up in our professional lives. We’ll discuss how to acknowledge feelings of isolation and loss without letting them derail your work, as well as recognizing when it’s necessary to “take a b...

Join us as we sit down with Jamie Potter and continue our discussion about the evolving role of mental health in athletics. Can teams maintain their culture while prioritizing athletes' well-being? How can clinicians and coaches work together to provide better support? We’re diving into all this and more!  Whether you're an athlete, coach, or healthcare professional, this is a must-listen...

In this episode, we’re joined by Ahavah Davis, a certified Athletic Trainer and PhD candidate pursuing sports psychology, to discuss her journey from athletic training to exploring the mental side of sports recovery. Ahavah shares how her experience as an AT shaped her decision to pursue sports psychology, the challenges of balancing both fields, and the critical role mindset plays in an athlete’s...

Tune in as we discuss the pros and cons of social media. Accessibility doesn't always mean accurate information. Is becoming an influencer worth more than your WHY for starting a platform? Is there anything we missed?

In this powerful episode, we delve into the incredible story of Katie Schumacher-Cawley , the head coach of Penn State, who led her team to a National Championship while battling cancer. Her journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, strength, and the unbreakable will of women in sports. A story that will leave you saying "Wow, women!" Join us as we dive one of the most inspiring stories of...

We’re back, and it’s a celebration! Join us for the premiere of Season 3 as we mark Real Talk's 3rd anniversary. From our first episode to this incredible milestone, it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing listeners. 💜 In this special episode, we’re reflecting on our journey, sharing heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, and teasing some exciting announcements you won’t want to miss. New a...

This week on “Real Talk”  we’re joined by the amazing Bria Butler, LAT, ATC, CES,  Assistant Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Delaware! Bria’s journey has taken her from Towson University to Alabama and back to the Northeast, all while building her passion for football, community, and crafting innovative rehab techniques. In this heartfelt episode, we dive into:   ~How relocating to...

Balancing family, relationships and career—Kati Ealey does it all! In the second episode of our “Sacrifices of Sport” series, we sit down with Kati as shares the challenges of being a wife, mom of two under 5, and athletic trainer at St. Paul’s School for Boys.  From navigating change in the profession to advice for those considering a career in high school sports, Kati gives us an inside look at...

In this week's Real Talk , we dive deep into "Healing Through Motion(s)" (haha see what we did there?) with special guests Stephen Rapposelli, PT, OCS, and Joshua Smith, PT, DPT. Ever wondered what the APTA is and why it's crucial for physical therapists in healthcare? We discuss hot topics and what the APTA is championing to enhance our healthcare system. Plus, we’ll explore what’s happening on C...

Tune in for an enlightening conversation with Jaiden Todd, PT, DPT, a dedicated pelvic floor physical therapist who bridges the gap between orthopedics and pelvic health. In this episode, Jaiden shares her journey from earning her Bachelor’s in Science to pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, revealing what ignited her passion for pelvic floor therapy. Discover the vital role of a pelvic floor...

Check out our latest podcast episode, "What It Looks Like Being in the 5%" with Dr. Marya ElAsha, DPT, PT.  Join us for an inspiring conversation as Dr. Elasha shares her journey as a Physical Therapist, the challenges she faced as part of the less than 5% of Black PTs, and her commitment to inspiring young adults looking to purse this career.  This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rep...

Happy October aka Happy National Physical Therapy Month! In honor of National PT month, we are kicking off our new ‘Healing Through Movement’ series with a bang discussing The Who. The What. The WHY Physical Therapy. Tune in to learn HOW PT can serve you and nuances that you never knew!! 

Throughout this series we’ve discussed how to set yourself up for your future while in school and explored a few different post-grad opportunities. Tune in this week as we summarize those options and discuss how to make the best decision for YOU. In this episode, Asha also dives in a little deeper to her decision post graduation and the factors that contributed to it! We hope you all enjoyed this...

Tune in to this weeks episode where Dr. Jurnee Thomas joins us as a recent DPT graduate. She discusses why Travel PT appealed to her as a new grad, and what she's learned along the way! Hindsight is 20/20 and she's giving you the gems you need/ want to hear!

Let’s talk NPTE prep! Join the conversation as Kiara interviews Asha and dives into how to prepare for boards. What works? What doesn’t? What did Asha learn along the way? What resources were most helpful? 

🎙️ Choosing the Clinic for You : Tune in as we chat with Devon Williams as we dive deep into DPT programs and clinical placements. In this episode, Devon shares what she’d change about her clinical experience, and reflects on her biggest takeaways from full-time rotations. Plus, Devon offers advice to her younger self and reveals the real talk about PT school and rotations you need to hear! 🩺✨

Our latest podcast episode features Maria Hamilton, a recent DPT grad from Duke University! 🎓✨ Join us as Maria shares her journey into physical therapy, the spark that ignited her passion, and her path to pursuing a sports residency. Get the inside scoop on the application and interview process, what she hopes to gain from her residency, and her ultimate career goals.

We are back with our final episode of our Women in Sports Performance series. In this episode we are diving into medical staff operations and discuss the importance of understanding, embracing, and unifying the various professions within a sports medicine team. We will discuss the similarities and differenced between professions and highlight the key components we deem as necessary in order to hav...

In this episode we are chatting with Jaime Potter, Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Sports Medicine at UC Irvine! Join us as we explore her journey from the sidelines to an influential administrative role, her passion for advancing mental health in athletics, and what drives her proactive approach to athlete well-being. We dive into her transition from hands-on training to leadership, the v...