In the Second Episode on Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT)—formerly known as the McKenzie Method—Richard sits down with a heavyweight guest: David Oliver, PT, OCS, Dip. MDT. David is a senior faculty member with the McKenzie Institute and a clinician at the University of Michigan Spine Clinic. He walks us through his UK-to-U.S. journey, why MDT “clicked” after early Cyriax training, and what the diploma/residency was really like (think nine weeks, 15 patients a day, full immersion). David explains MDT as a language—you can attend A–D, but true fluency comes from consistent use, live patient problem-solving, and staying curious. We dig into credentialing vs. diploma, why classification before treatment is non-negotiable, and how “blending everything” can dilute outcomes. We also talk about the unique culture at PRO-PT: hosting MDT Courses, learning together, and fighting to preserve live patient demos in a post-COVID, more-online CE world. Tons of practical advice for clinicians: build MDT as your foundation, keep sharpening the tools, and be relentlessly interested in your patients.

Episode 15: Host Richard (fighting a bit of a cold!) sits down with co-host Ronnie to unpack why PRO-PT embraced Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT)—formerly the McKenzie Method—as its primary lens for spine and joint care. Ronnie traces his first course in 2002, the shortcomings of purely pathoanatomic thinking, and how MDT’s classification, progression of forces, and patient empowerment delivered better, faster outcomes. They dig into why PRO-PT adopted MDT as a common language for clinicians (not just another “tool”), how it aligns with active care and research, and why manual therapy still has a place within the framework. The conversation tees up next week’s interview with MDT educator Dave Oliver and lands on a key takeaway: MDT is the belt, not just a tool—use the right forces at the right time, and empower patients to help themselves.

Episode 14: We welcome back Dr. Todd Martin, CEO of PRO-PT, for a follow-up conversation that dives into the numbers, systems, and vision behind nearly 24 years of growth. Todd shares how he and Ronnie have balanced their strengths—data-driven decision making and people-focused culture—while navigating “glass ceilings” and creating systems that support long-term success.

From overcoming “forward paralysis” to reverse-engineering solutions, Todd explains how to put ideas into play, measure outcomes, and refine along the way. We also explore the pivotal moment when he stepped away from full-time patient care to focus on leading the business, the creation of the VP role, and how PRO-PT continues to align its five-year plans with its core “why.”

If you’re interested in leadership, scaling a practice, or learning how to balance growth with culture, this episode is packed with insights—and maybe a little friendly banter too.

🎙 Episode 13: The Real Reason We've Grown

In this episode, Richard and Ronnie pick up where the last conversation with Todd left off — but not without a little playful attempt by Richard to stir up some “he said/he said” banter between the co-founders. Ronnie stands by Todd’s take on the early years, but the discussion quickly pivots to the bigger question: What now?

With PRO-PT closing in on its 24th anniversary, the two dive into what sustained growth looks like after decades in business. They revisit the leap from 4 clinics in 2011 to 19 today, unpack the importance of spotting and investing in leadership talent, and share how personal and company visions aligned to drive expansion.

Listeners will hear candid reflections on why team members stay for the long haul and why transparency, opportunity, and adaptability are non-negotiables for continued success. Whether you’re in physical therapy or any business, this conversation offers insight into growth strategy, leadership development, and staying true to your “why” while reinventing when needed.

🔹 Growth fueled by people, not just numbers

🔹 Matching opportunities to employee strengths and goals

The episode leaves the door open for next time — diving into vision, decision-making, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when plans meet reality.

🎙️ Episode 12: Richard sits down with PRO-PT Co-Founder & CEO Dr. Todd Martin to hear his version of how it all began.

From early days at USC and an unexpected outpatient rotation…

To writing a business plan before he even graduated…

To the now-legendary partnership with Ronnie…

Todd shares the real origin story of PRO-PT — full of scrappy beginnings, hard-earned lessons, and unwavering belief in building something different.

🔑 In this episode:

✅ How a mentor changed the course of Todd’s career

✅ Why starting small (and broke) was a gift

✅ The moment he finally convinced Ronnie to join

✅ The mindset behind verticality and lasting growth

✅ Why you must believe in your plan — and be unapologetic about it

💥 Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or just love hearing how legacies are born — this one's for you.

🎙 Episode 11: Verticality in PRO-PT– Creating Growth Without Giving Away Ownership

In this episode, Richard and Ronnie explore the concept of verticality—how to create upward mobility and leadership opportunities within a business without diluting ownership. They reflect on the decision to grow PRO-PT beyond two clinics, the challenges of doing so, and the realization that ownership isn’t the only path to advancement.

Ronnie defines verticality as the ability to move beyond one’s perceived pinnacle—in physical therapy, often defined as being a great clinician. They share how PRO-PT developed a clinic-level partnership model to create leadership roles that don’t require a financial buy-in or expand the decision-making table.

Richard recounts his personal journey, becoming a clinic director just 18 months into his career and taking over a long-established clinic in Porterville. He opens up about his early missteps, overconfidence, and the support network—both internal and at home—that made success possible.

The conversation emphasizes:

The importance of developing leaders from within

Why support networks and mentorship are critical

How vision, not ownership, can fuel long-term commitment

The company’s shift from “being better than” to “serving better”

They wrap with a teaser for the next episode: how to navigate the transition from clinician to leader, how to define value beyond patient care, and what it really means to lead.

🎙 Episode 10: Early Growth in PRO-PT– How PRO-PT Scaled

In this follow-up to the origin story, Richard and Ronnie dive into the next chapter of PRO-PT’s journey—growth. They unpack the pivotal decision to expand from a single clinic to multiple locations, starting with Tulare in 2003, and the internal challenges that came with it. Ronnie shares how a major disagreement between him and co-founder Todd in 2006 became a defining turning point: either stop growing—or systematize and scale.

They discuss the transition from “doing everything” to creating infrastructure, roles, and leadership systems that would support sustainable growth. This included Todd stepping away from full-time treatment to focus on building business operations—a shift inspired by lessons from The E-Myth and the realization they couldn’t continue burning both ends.

The episode also reflects on the humble conditions of the Tulare clinic (a.k.a. "The Bitchen") and the importance of shared vision, complementary strengths, and strong partnerships. Ronnie emphasizes the divine timing of his partnership with Todd and the later addition of Steve, which brought more balance and depth to their leadership.

The episode ends by teeing up the next chapter: how to create verticality—career growth and leadership opportunity—without giving up company ownership, setting the stage for the development of PRO-PT’s Clinic Director model.

🎙 Episode 9: PRO-PT Origin

In this special interview-style episode, Richard turns the mic to co-host Ronnie to dive into the story behind PRO-PT’s founding. Ronnie shares how the company was never born out of a desire to be entrepreneurs, but rather from a passion for delivering better patient care. He reflects on his early career, meeting co-founder Todd, and the sacrifices they made to open their first clinic in 2001—just one day before 9/11.

The discussion covers the humble beginnings, financial challenges, and personal sacrifices made during the startup phase. Ronnie also highlights the critical support from family and mentors, especially Todd’s father Mario, who guided them through the financial side of the business. A major theme is the importance of believing deeply in your “why”—and how that purpose helped shape PRO-PT’s identity.

The episode closes by setting the stage for part two, which will explore how and why the company began to grow beyond its first clinic.

🎙 Episode 8: PT & PTA National Exam Prep – Strategies for First-Time Success

In this episode of the S2N Podcast, Richard and Ronnie dive into the declining first-time pass rates for both PT and PTA national licensing exams, down nearly 5% over the past five years—and even more for PTA candidates. They explore how schools and companies are adapting, including remediation programs and mandatory practice exams tied to graduation.

The hosts share how PRO-PT responded to their own drop in pass rates in 2022 by partnering with Final Frontier, an intensive 8-week prep course, and the strong results that followed. They emphasize the importance of working while studying as a licensed applicant (LA), encouraging new grads to plan their time wisely, know when they study best, and avoid the trap of "studying" all day at home without structure.

Key takeaways include:

Enroll in a dedicated prep course like Final Frontier, O’Sullivan, TherapyEd, or Scorebuilders.

Work part-time (15–30 hrs/week) as an LA to stay mentally engaged and apply what you're learning.

Create a written study/work schedule based on your strengths and stick to it.

Find a supportive employer that prioritizes your success and offers flexibility, mentorship, and financial support for test prep.

Accountability and balance matter—don’t isolate, and don’t underestimate the importance of planning your day.

The episode wraps with a challenge to listeners: share your pass/fail stories and what worked (or didn’t) in preparing for the exam.

🎙️ S2N Podcast – National Exam Pass Rates

In this episode, Richard and Ronnie dive into current trends in NPTE pass rates for both PT and PTA programs — and what those trends might reveal about education, preparedness, and student decisions. They explore:

The 5-year decline in first-time pass rates

Differences in outcomes between public vs. private universities

Applicant pool trends and why fewer students may be applying

Cost, value, and the "savvier student"

How schools and students alike are responding to the pressure

Whether you're a prospective PT student or just curious about the future of the profession, this episode is packed with insights and real talk.

🎧 Listen now and be sure to follow us on Spotify or Apple.

📩 Got feedback or a topic request? Reach out through the link in the episode description!