We’re excited to be kicking off 2025 with an incredible guest, Maureen Francois, for today’s episode!

Maureen Francois is a wife, mom of 4 daughters, licensed therapist based in Salina, KS, and the co-owner and founder of Wild Hope counseling therapy practice. Maureen has a love for maternal mental health; she is passionate about helping women discover their resilience, and manage their depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma in motherhood.

Maureen also specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and is a Registered Play Therapist.

Motherhood is glorified in our society; we’re made to believe we can ‘do it all’, without help from anyone. It’s time that we CHANGE this narrative, and stop comparing ourselves to other moms who we think have it ‘all together’ (newsflash - they don’t either)!

We know you’re going to love this enriching conversation with Maureen, and be empowered to get support in ALL aspects of your health!

In today’s episode about taking a collaborative approach to maternal mental health, we’re covering:

• Maureen’s journey as a therapist + her passion for maternal mental health that led to her co-founding Wild Hope
• The importance of giving people choice when it comes to their mental health
• The significance of getting prenatal mental health support + collaborative relationships with other providers
• Seeking therapy as preventative wellness care vs. reactive care
• Reasons that may be keeping women from seeking therapy
• Shifting your view on getting support with your health + moving away from that ‘comparison’ mindset
• Realizing there isn’t one ‘thing’ that is going to change everything for you, and the process won’t always be fun or appealing
• EMDR therapy + how to know if this would be beneficial for you

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow Maureen & the Wild Hope team on Instagram @wildhopekc
• Learn more about working with Maureen by visiting her website
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

It’s hard to believe, but this is our final episode of 2024!

As we’re wrapping up the year, we wanted to share a kind of a ‘recap’ of what life has been like lately. In today’s conversation, we’re reflecting on 2024, and the hope we have for a fresh, new year ahead. 

Like many of you, we’ve also experienced the ups and downs the holiday season brings. It’s super easy to get caught up in the ‘comparison’ mindset in our world today, but even MORE during this time of year. You feel hopeless at times, and you think others around you have it allll figured out, but…that’s actually not true. That’s also not going to serve you well!

Make sure you’re checking in with yourself throughout the year (something we’re both working on), and get support where you need it. Choose to embrace your imperfections along the way, because those are the things that make you, YOU!

We hope this episode brings you some hope and encouragement for the new year. Merry Christmas to you - we are SO grateful you’re a part of our podcast community, and we’re excited to be back in 2025!

In today’s episode about reflecting on 2024, we’re covering:

• Why we tend to fall into ‘hopelessness’ much more easier in our world today
• Getting stuck in the comparison mindset + how shifting your mindset impacts SO much
• The importance of checking in with yourself throughout the year, and not just at the beginning of a new year
• Embracing (im)perfection in the new year + what really makes you, YOU
• The idea of ‘habit stacking’ when you’re wanting to make small, gradual changes
• Why our hope ultimately lies in Jesus 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode isn’t the *most* exciting topic to talk about (especially if it’s something you’ve experienced personally), but it’s a big one!

Pelvic organ prolapse (commonly referred to as ‘prolapse’), is often misunderstood. Prolapse can feel like a ‘scary’ word..but it doesn’t have to be a scary reality for you! 

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about pelvic prolapse, and what the various types can mean for you. We’re diving into risk factors for developing prolapse, signs and symptoms, treatment options (like pessaries), the importance of regular vulva ‘checks’ on yourself, and more.

Prolapse can bring up sooo many emotions - we’ve been there too, and the ‘freak out’ is real! Thankfully, it’s NOT a death sentence, and is very treatable. There’s a lot we can do as pelvic health providers (nope - surgery doesn’t have to be your *only* option).

We hope our pelvic prolapse insights really sheds some light on this subject, and encourages you to get the right kind of support - you deserve it!!

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• Why prolapse feels like such a scary & heavy topic for women + the importance of knowing WHO you’re learning this information from
• What pelvic organ prolapse is + similar terms you’ll hear referring to this
• Possible risk factors for developing prolapse
• The variety of emotions that can arise when dealing with prolapse + our personal experiences
• Signs & symptoms of prolapse + why doing vulva ‘checks’ matter
• What the diagnosis + assessment process for prolapse entails
• Treatment options for prolapse + how a pessary can help
• What prevention + ongoing management for prolapse looks like
• Realizing that prolapse isn’t something you’re ‘stuck’ with forever + choosing to get treatment earlier, rather than later

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode topic is one that’s cropped up quite a bit recently for both of us, so we knew we had to dive into it here!

In today’s episode, we’re discussing why one pelvic floor visit isn’t enough, and the importance of consistent care. We’re sometimes asked if coming in for *one* visit and doing the follow-up care on your own will work, but the truth is..it won’t. 

The comprehensive nature of our pelvic floor therapy evaluations are super important; we take our work very seriously, and put a great deal of time, effort, and energy into our clinics. While we can learn a lot from the initial session with a patient, the follow-up visits are KEY; this is where the magic happens!

Pelvic floor issues are never a ‘single issue’ type of treatment, and change takes time - especially if you’ve had this dysfunction going on for a while. The work you do in pelvic floor therapy is not going to be a ‘quick fix’, and the commitment piece is VITAL if you’re looking to have lasting results.

We’re committed to every single person who walks into our room, and will always provide the best care and guidance possible. If you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues or are simply looking to optimize your health & wellness, we hope you find this episode valuable + are reminded that one pelvic floor visit is NOT enough!!

In this episode, Why One Pelvic Floor Visit Isn’t Enough, we’re covering:

• Why the comprehensive nature of the pelvic floor therapy evaluations matter + should be appreciated
• Reasons why one pelvic floor therapy session is NOT enough 
• Understanding that certain care and treatments are going to take time
• Why your follow-up appointments are essential 
• Realizing that nothing necessarily has to be ‘wrong’ in order for you to do pelvic floor therapy + why the commitment piece is important
• Expectations vs. reality of your initial visit
• What to do between therapy sessions

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/Resources:

• Episode 5 | The Pelvic Health Evaluation: The Conversation Surrounding Your Initial Consultation, Follow-Up Visits, and More
• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode is covering a pretty hot topic - menopause!

As women, we will ALL be experiencing menopause at some point in our lives, so it’s exciting to see it *finally* getting the attention it deserves.

As pelvic floor physical therapists, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative effects of pelvic floor muscle training, combined with vaginal moisturizers. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the role of pelvic floor therapy in managing menopausal symptoms. We’re diving into how genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects women, why vaginal moisturizers can be a gamechanger, recent, groundbreaking research done on menopausal women combining pelvic floor therapy + vaginal moisturizer, and more.

Women are continuing to be researched more and more, which is very exciting; up until recently, that wasn’t the case. We’re honored to be part of a field that plays a key role in treatment for periods like postpartum and menopause, and really, long-term wellness!

We recognize that menopause can bring a whole slew of symptoms for the body, but it doesn’t have to feel super discouraging, either. We hope this episode shows you that you CAN navigate this life stage with grace and confidence, and that getting personalized, expert support will go a long way, too!

In today’s episode about enhancing vaginal health during menopause, we’re covering:

• Doing pelvic floor therapy in combination with topical estrogen
• Genitourinary syndrome (GSM) of menopause + how it can affect women during this time
• Benefits of using a vaginal moisturizer
• What a 2020 research study showed for patients doing pelvic floor therapy in combination with vaginal moisturizers
• The importance of seeking pelvic floor therapy during menopause + other major life transitions for women 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

For this episode, we wanted to take some time and share some reflections on our journey as pelvic floor physical therapists! 

Recently, we both helped at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor 1 course, which is basically the ‘intro’ course for anyone looking to learn more about pelvic floor therapy. This was actually hosted at Megan’s clinic, Kansas Pelvic Health, for the first time - we had so much fun being on the other side, supporting the event!

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about our start as ‘beginner’ pelvic health therapists, and what’s changed since then. From having solid mentorship and continuous learning, to focusing on holistic care and taking an empathetic, ‘whole-person’ approach with every patient, you could say we’ve learned a thing (or two) along the way.

Connecting with people and helping them improve their overall health & well-being has been truly rewarding for us - it never gets old! We’ve both experienced many challenges and triumphs, but we’ve continued to embrace growth. 

We feel incredibly blessed to be in the world of pelvic health, and are excited for where our profession is headed!!

In today’s episode about embracing growth as pelvic health therapists, we’re covering:

• Two intro courses that can help you get started in pelvic health
• Megan’s experience with being a ‘host’ site for the first time
• Our reflections on the importance of continued learning, mentorship & self-investment
• Taking a holistic, whole-body approach when treating patients vs. solely treating patients’ symptom(s)
• Creating a nurturing + inviting clinical environment

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Before we get into today’s topic, we have to share something exciting...

We just hit our ONE year anniversary with the podcast (yep, our podversary)!!

This last year has been a fun one - we’ve learned a LOT through this process, and have truly enjoyed getting to dive deep into topics that we’re passionate about. We’re so grateful for this space, and we hope you’ve learned a thing (or two) about pelvic floor therapy, and what it looks like to prioritize your health and well-being, regardless of the season of life you’re in.

In today’s episode, we’re discussing why flexibility in expectations matter, and more specifically, navigating postpartum exercise and activity. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we often work with women who are eager to return to regular exercise, activity, sports, etc. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always go as planned, which leaves women feeling confused, frustrated, and uncertain as to what they should do going forward.

There are many gaps in the education & guidance women receive in regards to postpartum, and what to expect. It’s time to change that, and even more, stop thinking that at 6 weeks postpartum you’ll ‘magically’ feel like exercising and having sex again, without skipping a beat!

We believe in informed and flexible postpartum care for all. Focusing on crucial ‘pillars’ when it comes to your health, as well as being realistic with your goals and expectations in the postpartum season is so, SO important. 

The postpartum period is an incredibly beautiful time, but also very challenging. Please remember to have grace with yourself, because your recovery journey is unique to YOU!!

In today’s episode, Flexibility in Expectations: Navigating Postpartum Exercise and Activity, we’re covering:

• The increasing trend happening with people online giving pelvic floor ‘advice’, without proper training or education
• 4 key pillars to focus on in the postpartum period
• Why it’s crucial that we change the narrative around returning to exercise and sex 6 weeks postpartum
• The importance of balancing your goals & expectations as a postpartum woman + being realistic with what you can do in this season
• Why proper loading vs. repetitive exercises builds strength and better supports you long-term
• Shifting away from the ‘all or nothing’ mindset in postpartum 

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Links/resources mentioned:

• Check out Dr. Nikki on Instagram @thefemmethod
• Check out Aromatherapist Dori Bell on Instagram @theblossombar 
• Save $10 with code GOODLIFE10 when you purchase the 12 Days of Holiday Calm Advent Calendar

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Our main focus for today’s episode is painful intercourse - specifically, the conditions known as vaginismus and dyspareunia. We treat both of these super often in our clinics, and we know it is very common for women to suffer in silence when they’re experiencing one (or both) of these. 

Fortunately, vaginismus and dyspareunia are very treatable, but there are some key differences as to what they are, what we see, and how we treat them.  

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about overcoming vaginismus and dyspareunia with pelvic floor therapy. As pelvic floor physical therapists, we’re always going to treat the person, not the diagnosis. 

It’s important to take a personalized approach and really understand WHY you’re experiencing painful intercourse, or any kind of pelvic pain or dysfunction. While this may feel ‘normal’ to you (especially if it’s been this way for a while), it’s always connected to a previous event or trauma, and we want to get to the bottom of that.

This extra pelvic pain or tension that you’re dealing with is very multifaceted. It’s there for a reason, and it’s not ‘just in your head’. Having a glass of wine and simply ‘relaxing more’ isn’t going to make it go away! 

Ultimately, we hope this episode gives you more insight into both vaginismus and dyspareunia, and why these aren’t conditions that you’re destined to deal with forever. You can go from pain to pleasure, because your body IS capable of healing!! 

In today’s episode, From Pain to Pleasure: Overcoming Vaginismus and Dyspareunia with Pelvic Floor Therapy, we’re covering:

• What vaginismus is + how it’s different from dyspareunia
• What dyspareunia is + the different types
• Common causes that contribute to vaginismus and dyspareunia + the strong connection the nervous system has in both conditions
• The crucial role the pelvic floor physical therapist plays in supporting and treating patients with vaginismus and dyspareunia
• Why taking a ‘team’ approach and collaborating with other health professionals can lead to better outcomes and overall healing
• Classic myths and misconceptions surrounding vaginismus and dyspareunia 
• Our best, practical advice as you’re navigating vaginismus, dyspareunia, or any kind of pelvic pain or dysfunction

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Related episodes mentioned: 

Episode 15 | The Value of a Pelvic Floor Internal Assessment

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

Today’s episode is covering a topic that is often overlooked, but definitely impacts you more than you think!

Yep..we’re talking about the power of your MINDSET, and how it really can ‘make or break you’ as you’re trying to heal. In today’s conversation, we’re discussing why mindset matters, and how shifting perspectives can empower healing. Mindset is a crucial piece of your healing journey, and as pelvic floor physical therapists, we see this all the time when working with our patients. 

When you stop doubting yourself and get out of that ‘victim’ mentality, you CAN get better. A positive mindset is powerful, and when you allow yourself to see what’s possible by putting in the work and believing in yourself (regardless of what obstacles come your way), true healing IS possible!

Whether you’re focusing on your health, fitness, career, or something else, don’t forget to celebrate yourself and all of your ‘wins’ along the way. We hope this episode empowers you to embrace imperfection; progress IS a beautiful thing, and ultimately, your mindset matters when it comes to your healing!

In today’s episode, Mindset Matters: Shifting Perspectives to Empower Healing, we’re covering:

• How changing your mindset in order to heal can be difficult, but totally possible too
• Learning to ‘flip the switch’ and get out of the ‘victim’ mentality, so you can tackle any obstacles ahead of you
• The powerful mindset shift that happens when you DO believe you have what it takes + why a positive mindset is similar to compound interest
• Getting out of the ‘all or nothing’ mindset and celebrating your wins, instead of feeling defeated for not doing enough
• Understanding that 2 things can be true at once + holding space for progress, not perfection

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website

When you think of pelvic floor therapy, chances are you also think of stress urinary incontinence (aka urinary ‘leakage’). This is probably the most widely-known (and definitely most common) issue associated with pelvic floor therapy, and it’s something we are very familiar with as pelvic floor therapists!

Unfortunately, there are quite a few myths surrounding this topic, so we wanted to debunk those here. In today’s conversation, we’re discussing what stress urinary incontinence is, and who is affected (*hint - it’s not only postpartum women or those of a ‘certain’ age!). 


We’re diving into the root causes and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, how your posture, constipation, nervous system, and even mindset play a critical role, our thoughts on pelvic floor devices like the EMSELLA chair, and more.

Pelvic floor therapy is never a one-size-fits-all. It’s vital that you get to the root cause of WHY you’re experiencing symptoms like stress urinary incontinence, so you can improve your pelvic health and overall wellness. 

We get to see how transformational and truly life-changing pelvic floor therapy can be every single day as we’re treating our patients. We hope this episode gave you some valuable insights on how to manage stress urinary incontinence, and ultimately, better connect with your pelvic floor! 

In today’s episode about understanding stress urinary incontinence, we’re covering:

• What stress urinary incontinence is
• The myth that only women who have had children or are of a certain age are affected by stress urinary incontinence
• Common symptoms that present with stress urinary incontinence
• How factors like poor posture, constipation, and your nervous system really come into play 
• Why a thorough pelvic floor assessment is essential before undergoing any sort of treatment
• Being cautious with pelvic floor ‘devices’ + why pelvic rehab is a comprehensive and cost-effective solution

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. These conversations are for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Related episodes mentioned: Episode 14 | Beyond the Myth: Understanding and Addressing Pelvic Floor Tightness

Connect with us:

• Follow on Instagram @the.pelvis.project
• Follow Megan on Instagram @kansaspelvichealth
• Follow Roxi on Instagram @goodlifepelvichealth
• Check out Megan's website
• Check out Roxi's website