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Feb. 18, 2026
Sorry Karen — Your PT Has Tattoos
Live from APTA CSM in Anaheim, Jimmy talks with Dr. Jenn Bell about redefining professionalism in physical therapy. They discuss: Where traditional professional norms came from Who those norms disproportionately impact Why authenticity affects burnout Why recruitment without belonging fails The shift from diversity → equity → inclusion → belonging What PTs must let go of to evolve If your clinic wants to recruit and retain strong clinicians, this conversation matters. Key Takeaways Pro...
Feb. 18, 2026
Advocacy Is Not Optional. It’s Survival.
Advocacy Isn’t Optional—It’s Your Responsibility In this episode, Jimmy talks with Jim Leahy, longtime lobbyist and association executive serving nine APTA chapters across the country. Jim has spent over 30 years inside the machinery of healthcare policy. His message is clear: If you’re not involved in advocacy, you’re gambling with your profession—and your patients. What You’ll Learn: Why state legislators control your scope of practice Why most PT Hill Days send the wrong message How ju...
Feb. 18, 2026
It’s Not the Patient. It’s You.
Recorded live from CSM, this episode features Jake Irwin, PT, DPT — professor, athletics PT, private practice owner, and APTA delegate. The conversation covers: Why seasoned PTs still attend CSM How to approach conferences strategically The real value of networking Using AI to navigate conference programming The uncomfortable truth about home exercise compliance Jake delivers a strong parting shot: When patients don’t get better because they didn’t follow their home program — that’s not ...
Feb. 18, 2026
Do It Differently or Die: A Wake-Up Call for PT Owners
Do It Differently or Die: A Wake-Up Call for PT Owners Live from CSM, Jimmy talks with Eric Fernandez from Hyperice about the uncomfortable realities facing outpatient physical therapy. What We Cover: The three-year journey behind the Nike x Hyperice recovery shoe Why AI and efficiency won’t save a broken business model Why PTs must start thinking like consumer brands The importance of lifecycle care and long-term value Why wellness companies are winning cash-based dollars The danger of ...
Feb. 18, 2026
The $10,000 Grant That Became $10 Million
Physical therapy research may feel invisible — but it protects reimbursement, strengthens professional credibility, and ensures long-term growth. In this episode, Jimmy talks with Becky Craik about: The mission of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research How a $10,000 seed grant can turn into millions in federal funding Why funding interruptions damage entire research teams The importance of cost-effectiveness research The Marquette Challenge and engaging the next generation Why “Don’...
Feb. 18, 2026
The 10,000 Step Lie
Milica McDowell, DPT — clinic owner, professor, and now AVP of Education at USPH — joins Jimmy live from APTA CSM to make a bold claim: Most PTs are recommending the wrong shoes. In this episode: Why 10,000 steps is marketing, not medicine The real step counts tied to longevity and mental health Why tapered toe boxes weaken feet The concept of the “24-hour shoe clock” Why cushioned shoes in clinic may be a clinical liability If you're a PT who cares about mobility, longevity, and biomech...
Feb. 18, 2026
You Don’t Need an LLC. You Need a Mentor.
Mastery Before Marketing In this episode of PT Pintcast, Jimmy talks with Lewis Lupowitz, sports physical therapist and founder of Longevity Physical Therapy & Performance. Lewis brings a strong perspective: There’s a mentorship problem in physical therapy — and it’s being disguised as an entrepreneurship movement. Key Topics Covered: Why new grads shouldn’t rush to open a clinic The difference between clinical confidence and branding confidence How to become a good mentee Why “better is...
Feb. 17, 2026
A Decade Under the Influence: Jimmy McKay Gets Interviewed
A Decade Under the Influence Faith Stokes takes over the mic at CSM and interviews Jimmy McKay about 10 years of PT Pintcast. This episode covers: Why reimbursement is the profession’s defining issue How students may drive the next innovation wave The Costa Rica wheelchair fundraiser story What APTA could do differently Why PT must embrace visibility and communication The difference between communicating and being understood The Line That Sticks: Science isn’t finished until it’s under...
Feb. 17, 2026
Stop Being the Nice PT
Stop Being the “Nice PT” Live from CSM in Anaheim, Eric Bellm joins PT Pintcast to challenge one of the most uncomfortable truths in physical therapy: Are we too focused on being liked? This episode tackles: The difference between support and accountability When to have the “coming to Jesus” conversation with a patient Why labeling someone “noncompliant” is often lazy How to introduce accountability from the first eval Why educators must model humility How PTs should approach AI and hea...
Feb. 17, 2026
Circus Is a Sport. Treat It Like One.
Circus Is Sport — So Why Aren’t We Treating It That Way? Performing artists train like elite athletes — but they’re rarely treated like them in healthcare. In this episode, Emily Scherb (The Circus Doc) shares: How she transitioned from professional circus performer to PT Why circus participation is exploding across the U.S. What “adult-onset circus” means Why pole dancers avoid seeking care The stigma problem in healthcare How load management applies to performing artists Why saying “I...
Feb. 17, 2026
OK Boomer, Meet Gen Z: The Future of PT Culture
At CSM 2026, Jimmy sits down with Devon Morris to discuss generational differences in physical therapy — and why clinic culture may matter more than compensation for retaining Gen Z clinicians. Key themes include: The impact of growing up in a “phone-based world” The Zoom communication shift Why stereotypes about “kids today” miss the point Burnout and student debt realities Why some therapists leave higher pay for better culture How intentional leadership improves retention If you're a ...
Feb. 17, 2026
It’s Okay to Be a Generalist
From CSM 2026 in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Ben Lindaman to discuss one of the biggest identity tensions in physical therapy: Generalist vs. Specialist. Healthcare rewards depth. Marketing rewards niche positioning. But patient care often demands integration. Ben argues that: Early over-specialization can stunt development Generalist thinking is critical in rural and primary care settings Most patients don’t need hyper-specialization Confidence and competence matter more than credent...
Feb. 17, 2026
“We Read the Receipts.” The Truth About PT Student Debt
Recorded LIVE from CSM 2026 in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Ami Faria from the APTA Board of Directors to discuss: The honest conversation happening around PT student debt Why the Department of Education’s proposed rule could create bottlenecks How APTA prepares PTs for real advocacy on Capitol Hill Why AI in healthcare needs guardrails — not avoidance The strategic push toward Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) This episode highlights the Earned Attention principle in action: Attention...
Feb. 16, 2026
If the Brain Can Change, Pain Can Change | Dr. Rachel Zoffness
Guest: Dr. Rachel Zoffness – Pain Psychologist | UCSF + Stanford Faculty | Author of Tell Me Where It Hurts Topic: Revolutionizing Pain Education and Treatment What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the brain—not the body—is the control center for pain How chronic pain can be managed and treated (not just medicated) Real case study: “Sam” and the power of biopsychosocial care Why PTs, MDs, and psychologists must collaborate Why medical education fails to teach modern pain science How you...
Feb. 11, 2026
The PT Future Is Full Stack: What That Means for You
Physical therapy isn’t just about movement anymore — it’s about models, messaging, and mindset. In this episode, Jimmy interviews Ryan Sharkey and Jonathan Ide-Don, co-founders of Full Stack Healthcare, a platform and newsletter helping clinicians think beyond fee-for-service. They break down the differences between RTM and telehealth, how asynchronous care changes outcomes, and why communication — not Theraband color — is your next clinical edge. ???? Who this is for: Clinic owners, ambitious...
Feb. 10, 2026
“It’s Not About the CEUs” — The Truth About CSM and APTA
Many PTs expect APTA membership to deliver immediate, visible ROI — discounts, perks, and fast results. In this conversation, Rebekah Griffith explains why that mindset misses the real value of professional advocacy. This episode covers: Why advocacy work happens whether you’re paying attention or not The “sprinkles vs cake” analogy for APTA benefits Why some PTs feel disappointed — and how to realign expectations How to approach CSM as a relationship-building opportunity Why passive attend...
Feb. 10, 2026
How to Mentor New Physical Therapists
How do you build confident pediatric PTs and decode complex diagnoses like dyspraxia or EDS? Cheri Woodson has spent 45+ years treating children, educating families, and mentoring therapists. In this episode, she shares how physical therapists can better support kids with executive function and motor planning challenges — even without a formal diagnosis. ✅ Why motor delays often go undiagnosed ✅ The biggest myth in pediatric PT ✅ What PT schools miss (and how to fix it) ✅ Strategies to acceler...
Feb. 9, 2026
The $100,000 Booth Problem: Why Conference Marketing Is Failing PT
Most PT marketing fails because it chases moments instead of relationships. In this episode, Jimmy McKay breaks down: Why conference booths don’t create trust How familiarity actually drives hiring and patient decisions Why copying trends kills credibility The difference between storytelling and telling stories Why frequency beats perfection every time If you’re a clinic owner, healthcare exec, or PT leader trying to grow without burning cash — this episode reframes everything. Sponsors ...
Feb. 9, 2026
You're Already a Leader: How PTs Can Step Up Without a Title
What if leadership in physical therapy wasn’t about titles — but about how you show up? In this episode, three powerhouse PTs share how they stepped up in their careers — not by chasing roles, but by owning their value, raising their hand, and realizing that leadership is a behavior, not a job description. Whether you’re a new grad, a PTA, or a 10-year vet, this one hits home. Featuring: Todd Norwood, PT, DPT, Lindsey Umlauf, PT, DPT and Kelly Louise Wooldridge, PT, MPT Hosted by Jimmy McKay ...
Feb. 9, 2026
The Invisible Wound: Moral Injury in Physical Therapy
COVID changed everything — and for many PTs, it left emotional wounds that haven't healed. Kristin Walls and Lisa Kohler join us to unpack “moral injury” — how it’s different from burnout, how it showed up in outpatient and acute care settings, and why it matters for the future of physical therapy. They preview their CSM talk, highlight new research on provider wellness, and share initiatives like the Wellness Committee and a national survey on professional sustainability. In this episode: De...
Feb. 8, 2026
How Peer Review Actually Works (And Why You Should Care)
????️ GUESTS:Dawn Magnusson & Rachel Prusynski – PTJ Editorial Team???? EPISODE SUMMARY:Is peer review really that scary? This special CSM 2026 preview pulls back the curtain on academic publishing with two editors from PTJ. Whether you're a clinician, student, or early-career researcher, you'll learn how to start writing, reviewing, and contributing to the scholarly conversation in physical therapy.???? Topics covered:* Why PTs avoid peer review (and why they shouldn’t)* The surprising benefits of being a reviewer* Where new writers should start (even if they’re not researchers)* How PTJ is creating a more inclusive publishing pipeline* The emotional side of submitting your first article* “Game time” insights from two seasoned editors???? CSM Session Info:Behind the Red Ink: Demystifying Peer Review and Empowering Emerging Scholars???? Friday, February 13, 2026 | ???? 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM???? Room 163, ACC North – Anaheim Convention Center???? Sponsored by:* Pre-roll: SaRA Health – h…
Feb. 7, 2026
How Physical Therapists Can Support Patients on Immunotherapy
What happens when the immune system turns into a weapon against cancer — and PTs aren’t sure what to expect? Join Jimmy McKay as he interviews three leaders in oncology rehab at CSM 2026. Scott Capozza, Amanda Giarratano, and Stephen Wechsler break down what immunotherapy means for PTs — and how to prepare for the tidal wave of patients already coming. You’ll learn: The real differences between immunotherapy and chemo Why side effects often look like inflammation — and how to treat it What ...
Feb. 6, 2026
What’s the ‘Dill’ with Pickleball? PTs Talk Injury Trends & Opportunity
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America — especially with older adults. But with its explosive popularity comes a wave of injuries. PTs Diane Fleming and Kristin Walls join the show to share insights from their CSM 2026 session, covering: Why pickleball matters in geriatrics AND sports Common injury patterns PTs should be ready for The SAFE exam and its use in screening athletic older adults Advice for PTs pitching fun, nontraditional sessions What it looks like when two PTs pres...
Feb. 5, 2026
Routine vs Commitment: Rob Panariello on Building a Career That Lasts
Rob Panariello has done it all — from strength coach at St. John's to Director of Health & Performance for the Carolina Panthers, to co-founding one of the largest PT practices in the country. In this episode, he shares:* The real difference between routine and commitment* What new grads consistently get wrong* The value of strength (and when to add RFD)* How to build a clinic-wide ROI mindset* Why "being busy" isn't the same as building a career???? HERO CLIP MOMENT: "There’s a big difference between routine... and commitment."???? LIGHTNING ROUND GAME: Name That Coach! Rapid-fire quote game: Did this come from Parcells, Vermeil, or Lou C????? SPONSOR PLACEMENT:* PRE-ROLL: SaRA Health* MID-ROLL: Empower EMR* PRE-PARTING SHOT: U.S. Physical Therapy