So many of us put up with pain longer than we should, assuming it’s just part of life. You don’t have to live that way. The right physical therapy care can bring real hope back into your mind and body, helping you move with more confidence and build lasting resilience.

Physical therapist Dr. Stephanie Duffey joins me to break down why we tolerate discomfort and what a PT notices that we often overlook. We talk about muscle tension, mobility limitations, trigger points, and the mind–body connection, and how these signals shape the way we move and show up every day. You’ll get an inside look at how PT uncovers tension patterns, what your body may be trying to tell you, and why feeling your best starts with awareness. If you’ve been ignoring discomfort or settling for “fine,” this conversation offers a new way to think about caring for your body.

Learn more about Dr. Steph: https://www.empowerphysioandwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerphysioandwellness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowerphysioandwellness

Find a PT: https://ptonice.com/

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
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Friendships aren’t always meant to look the same forever. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kara for an honest conversation about friendship and impermanence.

We talk about why the idea of a “BFF” can create unrealistic expectations and how being open to the natural ebb and flow of friendships allows us to grow. Together, we explore what it means to step away, press pause, or move on from friendships without guilt, and we reflect on how our own friendship has shifted over time.

This episode is an invitation to rethink the way we see connection and to embrace the fluidity that makes relationships meaningful.

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
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Death does not have to be dark or off limits. In this conversation with hospice and palliative care provider, Dr. Sarah Wittry, Monica explores how awareness can be a gift and how befriending mortality helps us live more intentionally. We talk about starting these conversations before a crisis, why our culture often avoids them, and simple ways to feel empowered when it comes to making decisions.

Learn more about Dr. Sarah Wittry: https://www.vibranthumanssarahwittry.com/ and her podcast: The Vibrant Humans Podcast

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
Say hi on Instagram: @motivational_monica

If a goal starts costing you your peace, it’s time to rethink it. In this episode, Monica reframes goals as tools, not identities, and shows how to spot the moment a goal shifts from helpful to heavy. She shares a personal story about a goal that triggered guilt and tension, then offers clear ways to shift, pivot, or release it. Letting go isn’t quitting on yourself. It’s choosing a smarter path to the same purpose.

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
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How often do you think about your pelvic floor? If you’re like most of us—probably not much. In this conversation, Monica Brooks talks with Dr. Allison Ingley, a pelvic floor physical therapist, about the vital connection between your pelvic floor, your body, and your emotions. You’ll learn what the pelvic floor really is, why tension and stress can show up in unexpected ways, and how tuning into your body can help you feel more empowered in your health. Whether you’re curious about common pelvic issues or how emotions manifest physically, this is an episode packed with eye-opening insights for both women and men.

Connect with Dr. Allison Ingley at Core Strong Physical Therapy:

Website: https://www.corestrongphysicaltherapy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoreStrongPT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core.strong.pt

Liked this episode? Follow the show, tap 5 stars, and share it with one person who would love it.
Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
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In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal—a keynote I delivered at the Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer Gala, an event dedicated to supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer in their 20s and 30s. As a survivor myself, this moment was emotional, meaningful, and powerful. The organization’s mission—offering medical stipends, peer support, and community—is a reminder that we all have the capacity to make someone else’s journey just a little bit lighter.

This talk, titled "Nobody Told Me," reflects on the things no one prepares you for when you're facing a life-altering diagnosis. It’s about the things you learn the hard way—and the grace, grit, and growth that come with them. But more than that, it’s a message about the ripple effect we can create when we choose to lift others up. Whether you’ve faced cancer, supported someone through it, or just want to show up in the world with more intention—this episode is for you.

If you're moved by this message and want to help make a difference, I’ve included a link in the show notes where you can support a woman navigating breast cancer today. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet acts of support that leave the loudest impact. Thank you for listening—and for showing up.

One-time donation: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/donate

Donate $5 a month: https://thrivingbeyondbreastcancer.org/5-for-thrive

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
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If you’ve never heard of EMDR therapy before, you’re not alone. It might sound like alphabet soup, but EMDR—short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—is a unique and effective approach to therapy that helps people work through trauma, anxiety, emotional challenges, and more— in a way that’s very different from traditional talk therapy.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Pritchard, an EMDRIA-certified EMDR Therapist, and consultant with Sea Glass, where she helps both clients and clinicians navigate this powerful method of healing. Erin breaks down what EMDR actually is, how it works, and what you can expect if you're curious about trying it. Erin will even share her own person

Whether you're exploring therapy options for yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in how the brain processes emotions and experiences, this episode is a great introduction to a tool that’s helping people across the world heal in a whole new way.

Links:

Work with Erin at Sea Glass Counseling:

https://www.seaglassohio.com/

Find a certified EMDR Therapist:

https://www.emdria.org/

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
Say hi on Instagram: @motivational_monica

Do you ever catch yourself chasing likes, waiting for praise, or needing outside approval to feel like you’re doing enough? You’re not alone. In a world that thrives on external validation, it’s easy to believe that happiness, confidence, and success come from what others think of us. But here’s the truth: everything you’re looking for—self-worth, joy, motivation—is an inside job.

In this episode of Becoming a Better You, we’re diving deep into how to break free from the cycle of seeking validation, how to create your own dopamine hits without relying on social media or external praise, and why the most powerful confidence boost comes from within. I’ll share practical strategies to shift your mindset, recognize your own worth, and start celebrating yourself—not because the world approves, but because you do.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly waiting for permission to feel good about yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward truly Becoming a Better You.

🎧 Listen now 

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Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
Say hi on Instagram: @motivational_monica

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but in this episode, we’re diving deep into how you can take control and stress less in 2025. Joined by the amazing Dr. Emily, a Functional Medicine Practitioner, we explore where stress originates, how elevated cortisol levels impact our bodies, and the long-term risks of unmanaged stress. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Dr. Emily shares empowering insights and practical strategies to help you reduce stress and reclaim balance in your life. Tune in to learn how to recognize stress triggers, support your well-being, and step into a calmer, healthier version of yourself.

LINKS
WEBSITE: https://balancedlivingfm.com/
TAKE THE QUIZ: https://balancedlivingfm.com/energize-your-life/quiz
DR. EMILY'S INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/balancedlivingfxmed/
DR. EMILY'S LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-roedersheimer/

BOOK: The Untethered Soul

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Join me as I take you through my journey of leaving the corporate world and the valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past three years. In this episode, I’ll share the challenges and triumphs of taking a chance on myself, and why you don’t need to quit your day job to follow your passions. We’ll explore how you can build a side business, pursue your dreams, and utilize powerful tools like AI and ChatGPT to thrive, no matter where you are in your career. Whether you’re looking to start a new project, expand your horizons, or simply take the next step in your personal growth, this episode will provide you with the inspiration and practical tips to turn your ideas into reality—all while keeping your 9-to-5. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement to help you bet on yourself and succeed.

Liked this episode? Follow the show, tap 5 stars, and share it with one person who would love it.
Hire Monica to speak: www.monicabrooks.com
Say hi on Instagram: @motivational_monica