Down There

He was 46. No symptoms. A casual physical saved his life.

In this powerful episode of Down There, Laura sits down with Steve Hentzen, a 15-year prostate cancer survivor and co-founder of Prostate Network, to uncover the truth about men’s health, early detection, and the myths that keep too many men from getting the care they need.

Steve shares his raw and often humorous journey from brushing off his own health to becoming a national advocate for cancer survivors. Together, he and Laura tackle everything from annual physicals, PSA tests, and the "it's just an old man’s disease" myth, to the emotional impact of taking control of your health.

Whether you’re a man navigating your own health, a partner encouraging someone else, or a clinician working with male patients this is a must-listen.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Importance of Self-Care

[01:05] – Introducing Steve Henson

[02:01] – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

[02:21] – Steve's Early Misconceptions

[02:46] – Focus on Men's Health

[03:10] – The Importance of Regular Checkups

[03:46] – Steve's Personal Health Journey

[04:10] – Men's Health vs. Women's Health

[05:17] – The Turning Point

[05:45] – Insurance and Physicals

[07:21] – Debunking Prostate Cancer Myths

[07:55] – Early Diagnosis and Treatment

[08:47] – Younger Men and Prostate Cancer

[09:46] – Obesity and Cancer

[11:11] – Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

[11:47] – Health Knowledge and Misconceptions

[12:49] – Advice for Men

[13:23] – Making Health a Lifestyle

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Reach out to Steve Hentzen: https://www.prostatenetwork.org/

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What does a pelvic floor therapist really do when she's not in the clinic?

In this lighthearted solo episode, host Laura McKaig answers your most-asked personal and professional questions from how she got into pelvic health to her favorite (and least favorite!) foods.

Laura shares the story of discovering her own pelvic floor conditions, how she healed, and why that fuels her passion for helping others. Plus, you’ll learn about her surprising hobbies, her famous Christmas caramels, and the quirky organ plushies that keep her teaching style one-of-a-kind.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction to Pelvic Floor Disorders

[01:22] – A Different Kind of Episode

[01:35] – Audience Participation

[01:57] – Most Popular Question: How Did You Get Interested in Pelvic [Health?

[02:31] – Laura's Journey into Pelvic Floor Therapy

[04:14] – Personal Struggles with Pelvic Floor Issues

[05:00] – Healing from Pelvic Floor Disorders

[06:01] – Favorite Book

[06:47] – Laura's Hobbies and Interests

[07:58] – Fun Fact: Cooking and Gourmet Caramels

[08:34] – Organ Plushies for Teaching

[09:30] – Quirky Sense of Humor

[11:06] – Least Favorite Food

[11:43] – Wrapping Up the Questions

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What really happens after a hysterectomy, and why isn’t anyone talking about it?

Laura McKaig welcomes Jen back for another candid and emotional episode. Jen is a former patient who shares her deeply personal journey through surgical menopause, pelvic pain, and post-hysterectomy recovery. From the fear of being dismissed by doctors to the quiet suffering she endured for years, Jen speaks openly about the reality of living without a uterus and what it took to truly heal.

Together, Jen and Laura unpack the physical and emotional toll of hysterectomy, the unexpected role of breathwork, and the life-changing impact of pelvic floor therapy. This episode offers hope, validation, and practical insight for anyone navigating pelvic health after surgery or feeling lost in the aftermath.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Is This Necessary?

[01:29] – Facing the Fear of Medical Procedures

[02:06] – Understanding Pelvic Health

[02:52] – The Journey to Recovery

[07:47] – The Importance of Breathing and Core Engagement

[11:45] – Returning to Normal Activities

[13:51] – The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy

[17:06] – Advice for Post-Hysterectomy Recovery

[17:26] – Hormonal Support Post-Surgery

[19:29] – The Importance of Vaginal Estrogen Cream

[20:09] – Debunking Myths About Estrogen and Breast Cancer

[20:40] – The Impact of Surgical Menopause

[21:33] – Navigating Surgical Menopause

[22:40] – Navigating Hormone Therapy

[24:44] – Challenges in Finding Resources

[25:49] – Debunking Pelvic Floor Therapy Myths

[26:43] – Online Resources and Self-Guidance

[29:20] – Debunking Myths About Pelvic Floor Therapy

[35:20] – Integrating Therapy into Daily Life

[38:39] – Embracing Menopause and Thriving in life

[40:25] – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Down There Quote: “This isn’t about surviving anymore. It’s about thriving in your next chapter.” —Jen

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What if your biggest surgery left you with more questions than answers?

In this raw and honest episode, host Laura McKaig sits down with her client Jen, who shares her emotional and physical journey after an early hysterectomy. From being dismissed by doctors to struggling with hormone loss and finding pelvic floor therapy on her own terms, Jen’s story shines a light on the overlooked reality many women face. If you’ve ever felt lost, unseen, or unsupported in your healing, this conversation is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[01:13] – Meet Jen: A Post-Hysterectomy Journey

[01:54] – The Decision for Hysterectomy

[03:15] – Surgical Experience and Post-Op Challenges

[05:16] – The Search for Post-Op Support

[07:26] – Discovering Pelvic Floor Therapy

[09:46] – Finding the Right Help

[10:19] – Expectations vs. Reality of Pelvic Floor Therapy

[11:05] – Conclusion and How to Connect

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What happens when the care you need doesn’t exist near you or at all?

In this empowering solo episode, host Laura McKaig gets real about the lack of access to pelvic floor therapy, especially for men and post-prostate surgery patients. From talking with urology residents on Capitol Hill to building online programs herself, Laura shares how she’s tackling the growing pelvic health crisis with practical, virtual solutions. Whether you've been dismissed, can’t find a specialist, or want clarity, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[01:13] – The Importance of Online Resources for Pelvic Health

[01:58] – Challenges in Finding Reliable Information

[02:43] – The Quest for Reliable Online Information

[03:49] – Insights from the Zero Prostate Cancer Summit

[06:19] – Conversations with Urologists

[08:02] – Barriers to Accessing Pelvic Floor Therapy

[09:25] – Innovative Solutions for Pelvic Health

[12:29] – Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

From passion to purpose: how a writing hobby turned into a powerful resource for men’s pelvic health recovery.

What happens when a pelvic floor therapist sets out to help men regain control after prostate surgery?

In this solo episode, Laura McKaig shares the personal and emotional story behind her book Piss Off, Literally: Controlling Your Incontinence After Prostate Surgery. From the moment a group of men encouraged her to write it, to the deep inspiration that came from a patient-turned-friend in hospice, Laura takes you behind the scenes of writing, publishing, and advocating for men’s pelvic health.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – The Book Idea: A Turning Point

[01:23] – The Journey to Writing a Book

[04:15] – The Turning Point: A Personal Loss

[05:43] – The Writing Process

[06:48] – Publishing the Book

[08:33] – The Book's Impact

[10:08] – Future Writing Plans

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

When most people hear "pelvic floor therapy," they think pregnancy or postpartum recovery, but host Laura McKaig reveals a much wider world. From working with older adults to supporting men after prostate surgery, Laura shares how her journey led her to serve two often-overlooked groups. With candid stories, powerful patient outcomes, and her unique “out-of-the-box” training, this episode highlights why pelvic health matters at every stage of life.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Surprising Trainings

[01:06] – About Laura’s Practice & What Makes It Different

[01:34] – Who Needs Pelvic Floor PT? Not Just New Moms

[02:02] – Working with Older Adults: Breaking Stereotypes

[02:29] – Challenging Assumptions About Aging & Incontinence

[02:53] – How Laura Discovered Her Passion for Older Adults

[04:30] – The Impact of Pelvic Floor Therapy on Quality of Life

[06:41] – Would You Treat Men? A Personal Conversation

[07:17] – Navigating Male Pelvic Health: First Experiences

[07:51] – James’s Story: From Struggle to Success

[11:32] – Serving Veterans & Joining the VA Community Care Network

[13:04] – Complex Pelvic Pain: From Fear to Fulfillment

[14:36] – Out-of-the-Box Approaches: Myofascial Release & More

[15:09] – Writing, Teaching, and Creating New Resources

[16:42] – How to Connect & Closing Remarks

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Find a pelvic floor therapist near you:

https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/

Pelvic Friendly Plushies: https://iheartguts.com/

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

What happens when an old spark reignites and reshapes your entire career?

Welcome to Down There, a podcast dedicated to pelvic health and wellness for men and women. In this episode, Laura McKaig, PT, MSPT, shares her deeply personal journey from leaving her physical therapy career to rediscovering her passion, overcoming setbacks, and ultimately finding her calling as a pelvic floor therapist. If you’ve ever wondered how someone finds their true path or if you’re facing your own crossroads, this story is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] – Laura’s leap of faith

[00:31] – How Did I Get Into Pelvic Floor Therapy?

[01:56] – Life changes, setbacks, and a wake-up call

[02:25] – Injury & Realization

[03:20] – The challenges and doubts she faced re-entering the profession

[04:03] – Rediscovering passion for physical therapy

[07:42] – The Spark: Discovering Pelvic Floor Therapy

[08:45] – Passing the Board Exam & New Opportunities

[10:00] – Discovering pelvic floor therapy and what it means

[11:45] – How personal struggles with pain and pelvic floor issues inspired me to help others

[13:00] – Options for Pelvic Health Help

[15:01] – Overcoming Embarrassment & Finding Purpose

[15:51] – Why This Work Matters

[16:43] – What’s Next & How to Connect

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Find a pelvic floor therapist near you:

https://pelvicglobal.com/directory/

Pelvic Friendly Plushies: https://iheartguts.com/

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.

Down There is the podcast that takes the mystery, confusion, and awkwardness out of pelvic health for both men and women.

Hosted by pelvic floor physical therapist and author Laura McKaig, PT, MSPT, each episode brings you practical tips, clear explanations, and empowering conversations about everything “down there” from leaks, pain, and urgency to post-surgery recovery, menopause, and more.

Whether you’re fresh out of prostate surgery, navigating post-hysterectomy healing, managing pelvic pain, or just want to keep your pelvic floor healthy, you’ll find trustworthy information, real-life solutions, and even a touch of humor here.

Pelvic health is too important to ignore and it doesn’t have to be embarrassing to talk about. Join Laura as she helps you understand your body, take charge of your health, and feel confident in your own skin.

New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe now and start your journey toward better pelvic health today.

Connect & Share:

Have questions or want to connect?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Pelvic Connection with Laura McKaig PT (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE7zyN28inZxCovuMqInzSA)

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauramckaigpt/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramckaigpt/

Visit: https://www.pelvicconnection.com/ for online programs, resources, or to work with Laura in person.

Music Credits:

Musician: Forest Stewart

Original composition “Down There”

***DISCLAIMER***The content of this video, description, links, and comments, is intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice or a personalized treatment plan. Pelvic Connection Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC is not liable for any injuries or damages related to the practice of any exercise or activity shown on this video. Injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek qualified professional advice about your medical condition or injury. Please consult your healthcare professional for specific concerns. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied from this content.