In this value-packed episode, host Jimmy McKay sits down with Aaron LeBauer, a leading voice in the cash-based physical therapy world, to bust myths, challenge industry assumptions, and unpack what actually works when building a profitable PT business today. They cover the evolution of PT opportunities post-pandemic, how to position your services in a shifting economy, pricing strategies, the reality of insurance limitations, and why creating genuine value always trumps traditional pathways.

Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned PT, this episode will reshape the way you think about the future of physical therapy and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Kayla breaks down how JAG Physical Therapy scaled from 2 locations to over 160 — and the marketing strategy behind it.

We cover:

• Why every patient experience is a marketing moment
• How to measure ROI without obsessing over it
• Using EMR data to improve campaigns
• Partnering with local communities (not just physicians)
• Tactical advice for solo PTs to get started

Episode Highlights:

• Referral Insights: Clinicians share why asking outright—or subtly—for referrals is crucial, and how patient follow-up (calls/emails) prompts results. Role-playing helps staff find comfortable scripts.
• Therapist Conviction: Healing effectiveness increases when clinicians genuinely believe in interventions—conviction influences patient decisions.
• GPT‑Generated Scripts: Leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT) using persuasive frameworks (Hormozi, Cialdini) to generate patient-friendly referral prompts.
• Product Sales & TikTok Shop: Therapists explore new income via affiliate marketing. Understanding affiliate structures (TikTok cut vs direct deals) and how “creator communities” amplify reach.
• Collective Strategy: Imagine a collaborative PT content network—sharing product/tech videos to grow collective influence and income.
• Patient-Centric Authenticity: Overcoming ego, prioritizing patient benefit, and celebrating small wins (“peak of happiness”) with reviews and referrals.
• Challenge from Jimmy: Who’s up for a Bigfoot plantar fasciitis evaluation video?

Aaron Bauer joins the show to unpack the evolution of AI scribes in physical therapy. He explains how ambient AI tools like Athelas AI Scribe are reducing documentation time, increasing note quality, and making patient care more efficient — all while staying HIPAA compliant. Whether you're tech-savvy or hesitant, Aaron breaks down how easy it is to implement AI into your workflow and the surprising benefits you might not expect.

Key Topics:

• The difference between ChatGPT and true ambient AI
• Why “scribe” is a misleading term for modern AI tools
• How PTs can save an hour a day using AI
• Verbal note-taking tips for more accurate documentation
• Improving coding accuracy and compliance
• Multilingual support, template flexibility, and patient experience gains

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Aaron Bauer joins the show to unpack the evolution of AI scribes in physical therapy. He explains how ambient AI tools like Athelas AI Scribe are reducing documentation time, increasing note quality, and making patient care more efficient — all while staying HIPAA compliant. Whether you're tech-savvy or hesitant, Aaron breaks down how easy it is to implement AI into your workflow and the surprising benefits you might not expect.

Key Topics:

• The difference between ChatGPT and true ambient AI
• Why “scribe” is a misleading term for modern AI tools
• How PTs can save an hour a day using AI
• Verbal note-taking tips for more accurate documentation
• Improving coding accuracy and compliance
• Multilingual support, template flexibility, and patient experience gains

What if a single Instagram post led to your next top referral partner? In this episode, Jimmy McKay is joined by Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato to break down the power of real patient content, community trust, and creating before you’re “ready.” You’ll hear how a free golden ticket visit turned into a viral story and why content is the gateway to opportunity — even if no one’s watching (yet). Plus, how AI is helping therapists reduce cognitive load and focus more on patient care.

Resources & Links:

What if your clinic could generate an extra $10K–$20K per month—legally and sustainably—without seeing more patients or hiring more staff?

That’s the question today’s guest, Chad O from Thrive Med, is answering for physical therapists and clinic owners looking to break out of the hamster wheel of healthcare. The Thrive Med model helps outpatient rehab clinics integrate ultrasound-guided trigger point therapy, dry needling, and other medically billable services into their existing workflow—even in states like New York where PTs can’t perform them directly. 

Joshua Breighner, owner of Walk in New York, joins the show to reveal how his neurorehab clinic in Midtown Manhattan is breaking down barriers in access to cutting-edge rehab technology. From robotic exoskeletons to sustainable market access strategies, Joshua explains how tech can drive evidence-based care—not just look impressive.

We dive into:

• What neuroplasticity-first technology looks like
• How PTs can align tech adoption with hospital KPIs
• Why underutilized tools are your best starting point
• Making robotic rehab accessible through insurance
• Preventing expensive tech from collecting dust post-purchase

This episode is essential for PTs, clinic owners, and healthcare entrepreneurs curious about bringing meaningful innovation into their practice—without getting lost in hype or red tape.

In this no-holds-barred discussion, Jimmy McKay sits down with Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle to ask a question most PTs avoid: is operating like a “mill” really that bad? They break down the realities of modern reimbursement, how patients actually perceive care models, and what savvy clinic owners can do today to thrive — even in a crowded system.

Topics Covered:

• Clinic scheduling & reimbursement challenges
• Perception vs. reality: What “mill” clinics get right (and wrong)
• The power of telehealth: Turning intake calls into evaluations
• How trust is built (or broken) before the first visit
• Leveraging Medicare’s current rules to innovate service

Links & Resources:

What does it take to keep Broadway performers injury-free and on stage? Marissa Schaefer, PT and founder of FlySpace in NYC, joins Jimmy to unpack the challenges of performer rehab and why most PT models aren’t built for this level of demand.

We talk about the “reactive” care systems that dominate the industry, the concept of reconditioning after injury, and how PTs can better serve high-performance artists.

Topics Covered:

• A day in the life of a Broadway performer
• The biggest gaps in performing arts healthcare
• How PTs can become better prepared for this population
• Why “The show must go on” is the wrong mindset
• The gold standard performer health system (and what’s holding us back)

Guest: Marissa Schaefer, PT, DPT