When we talk about the core, most people think abs. 

But...there’s a whole system at play that does WAY more than give you stability or strength!

In this episode, we’re breaking down the core canister, along with how strength, stability & the pelvic floor connection come into play.

When everything is working well together, your body feels strong, supported, and balanced!

If there’s dysfunction in the system though, that’s when symptoms show up. Thankfully, this is something that can be retrained and improved so it works FOR you (not against you).

If you’re noticing symptoms or want to better understand how your body is functioning, a quality pelvic floor assessment from a trained provider (like us!) is an amazing place to start!!

Episode Recap:

• What the core canister is + how it supports your body’s movement and stability
• How your diaphragm, pelvic floor, and deep core muscles work together to manage intra-abdominal pressure
• Why the balance of pressure matters for preventing leaks + maintaining stability
• The role of breath, pressure control & pelvic floor coordination in a healthy core system
• How a pelvic floor assessment can help identify and improve 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.

Links/Resources:

• Ep. 48 | Why Diastasis Recti Isn’t About the “Gap” + What Really Matters for Postpartum Healing
• 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

If you’ve ever felt that sudden, drop-everything-and-run need to pee, you’ve experienced urgency. It’s that powerful message from your body saying it’s time to GO!

Urgency itself isn’t a bad thing (because we need that signal). When it becomes unpredictable, frequent, or leads to leakage though? That’s when we move into urge urinary incontinence.

In today’s conversation, we’re diving into urgency and urge urinary incontinence. While these conditions are common, they’re NOT something you have to just “live with”. 

Sometimes, urgency is linked to overactivity in the pelvic floor, while other times, fear, anxiety, or habit play a big role here.

You deserve to move through your day without the constant worry of finding the nearest bathroom. Thankfully, this is a very fixable issue, and pelvic floor therapy can make a WORLD of difference for you!

Episode Recap:

• What urgency and urge urinary incontinence actually are + how they differ
• Why urgency itself is normal, but urge incontinence isn’t
• How your bladder and nervous system can start sending mixed messages
• Common patterns we see in those who “hold it” all day
• The fear & frustration that can come with sudden urges or leakage
• How pelvic floor overactivity can contribute to urgency
• The nervous system’s role in creating that “gotta go now” feeling
• Why withholding fluids can make symptoms WORSE
• What NOT to do if you’re struggling with urgency or incontinence
• Simple, practical tips to help retrain your bladder and pelvic floor

**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

We’re fresh off the 2025 Pelvicon conference and couldn’t WAIT to share some of our biggest takeaways + allll of the wisdom from leading voices in pelvic health!

In today’s conversation, we’re sharing our Pelvicon 2025 highlights, takeaways, and why we’re more inspired than EVER to be in the pelvic health space. 

From physiology to pain science to the power of lifelong learning, this year’s event was jam-packed with insight, connection, and plenty of lightbulb moments we’ll be diving more into in future episodes!

We wrapped up the conference feeling incredibly inspired to keep learning, evolving, and bringing that knowledge back to YOU. 

Whether you’re a fellow clinician, patient, or just curious about how the body works, you’re in the right place. We can’t wait to share more thoughts and insights soon, and continue supporting you wherever you are on your health journey!

Episode Recap:

• Insights from Susan Clinton on what happens when the pelvic floor and diaphragm “disagree”
• How trauma and nervous system patterns can impact pelvic function and overall health
• Understanding the “crosstalk” between visceral and somatic systems
• The importance of looking beyond the pelvic floor for true, long-term healing
• Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)
• Holly Herman’s fascinating “pregnant foot” concept 
• The variety of postpartum changes we can’t ignore
• Michelle Lyons’ take on menstrual cycle education & empowering patients with body awareness
• Why pain is a protective output of the brain (and doesn’t always mean damage)
• Our biggest reminders as pelvic health providers

**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 is a special one: Megan interviews Roxi about her recent birth experience! 

Just a couple of weeks ago, Roxi welcomed her third baby into the world, and…her first BOY! 

In today’s conversation, Roxi reflects on what it was like preparing for and experiencing this sweet milestone moment. Unlike her first two pregnancies, Roxi admits this one felt much more laid-back (as in, she wasn’t as consumed by all the details because, well, life was happening)! 

We’re chatting about Roxi’s expectations for her birth (which looked totally different than what she pictured), what helped her get through this “unexpected” labor and delivery, why it’s okay to be vulnerable during this time, and more.

Through it all, Roxi walked away with a deep sense of peace, accomplishment, and contentment. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, this is a beautiful reminder to give yourself grace, advocate for what you want, and cherish the sweetness of the journey!

Episode Recap:

• What life looked like for Roxi leading up to this pregnancy
• How this pregnancy felt different from her first two
• Birth “plans” vs. expectations going in
• What she pictured her labor and delivery would be like
• The surprising start to labor and being induced a week past her due date
• Roxi’s unexpected unmedicated birth + what it took to get through it
• The most challenging moment + the mindset work that helped her push through
• Why vulnerability matters during labor and birth
• Lessons she learned + how this birth changed her
• Roxi’s advice for anyone preparing for birth
• One word Roxi uses to describe her birth story

**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

Lichen sclerosus is one of those conditions that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, even though it can have a MAJOR impact on quality of life. 

In today’s conversation, we’re breaking down what lichen sclerosus is, what it looks like, and why early treatment makes SUCH a big difference. Lichen sclerosus is not something you want brushed off as “normal.” If left untreated, it can progress to many unwanted symptoms. 

Thankfully, there’s good news - LS can be managed with the right support and treatment plan! 

While pelvic health PTs and OTs don’t “treat” LS directly, we can make a huge difference when it comes to addressing pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and muscle tightness that often accompany this condition.

Most importantly, you DON’T have to navigate this alone. Building a care team (whether that’s a gynecologist, dermatologist, pelvic floor therapist, or even a sex therapist), can help you find relief and feel more confident in your body again. 

If something feels off, don’t wait for someone else to “catch it.” You deserve answers, and to feel healthy, comfortable, AND empowered in your own skin!!

Episode recap:

• What lichen sclerosus is + the most common symptoms to look out for
• Other possible conditions that can mimic LS symptoms
• Why early diagnosis and treatment make such a BIG difference
• The first-line medical treatment for lichen sclerosus
• Lifestyle and self-care practices that support vulvar health and overall well-being
• The role of pelvic health providers in helping patients navigate LS
• What your collaborative care team might include
• The importance of advocating for your own health & getting the care you deserve

**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

It’s hard to believe, but…we’ve made it to episode 50!

We’re super excited to hit this milestone, and couldn’t resist having a little extra fun with this one.

In today’s conversation, we’re looking back on some of our favorite moments, unforgettable stories from our clinics, and pelvic floor truths (of course) in this episode. 

We’re also answering some of your burning questions that you submitted, like how to approach running in postpartum, pelvic floor therapy before, during, and after pregnancy, and more. Think of it as part celebration, part Q&A, and part trip down memory lane.

Thank you for being with us on this ride - we are BEYOND grateful for every single one of you, and can’t wait to see where the next 50 episodes take us!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• Our favorite episodes so far + why they stand out
• The most impactful client wins + some laugh-out-loud stories from our clinics
• What “maintenance” really looks like in pelvic floor therapy (and why it matters)
• Tips for safely returning to running postpartum
• Pelvic floor support before, during & after pregnancy
• First-time pelvic floor therapy etiquette

**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:

• Ep. 34 | Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: A Deep Dive into Male Pelvic Health with Bill Taylor
• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 43 | Pelvicology 101: The 6-Stage Framework for Rewiring Pain and Restoring Trust in the Body (Part 2 with Paige Genova)
• 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

Hip pain is something many women chalk up to “just the way it is” - especially as we move through different seasons of life.

But…what if your hips are telling you there’s MORE going on beneath the surface? 

In today’s episode, we’re zooming in on why the hip-pelvic floor connection plays a critical role here. Pelvic floor therapy can help tremendously with reducing pain, restoring movement, AND supporting overall wellness.

The truth is, your hips and pelvic floor share fascial and neural connections, meaning what happens in one area almost always affects the other.

And no…stretching alone won’t resolve hip pain.  While it can help in the short term, long-term improvement comes from strengthening, building stability, and retraining the nervous system so your body feels safe enough to move freely again!

Ultimately, working with a pelvic health provider can be the missing piece for addressing hip pain (whether you’re experiencing other pelvic symptoms or not). Also - don’t miss a special announcement from Roxi in this one!!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• How hip pain can actually be a primary sign of pelvic floor dysfunction
• Why limited hip mobility changes pelvic mechanics + increases load on pelvic floor muscles
• Common overlapping symptoms when hip + pelvic floor issues show up together
• Understanding that hips are more than just the “butt” + how the piriformis plays a big role
• Why stretching alone won’t solve your hip pain

**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

Diastasis recti (DR) is one of THE most misunderstood and frequently asked-about topics in our clinics. 

There's a LOT of outdated information floating around about it, so we want to set the record straight with this episode!

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about diastasis recti, and why it isn’t just about the “gap” in your abs. It’s really about pressure, tension, and how your core is functioning as a system.

Updated research shows that 100 percent of women will experience some degree of diastasis recti in their third trimester of pregnancy. The “gap” you may have in your abs isn’t even CLOSE to the full picture! 

Most cases of DR respond really well to smart, individualized rehab. We’re talking breathwork, re-activating deep core muscles, and yes, eventually adding crunches back in for some clients! 

Recovery isn’t a straight line, and it definitely doesn’t follow the “bounce-back” timeline our culture loves to push. If you’re ready for true postpartum healing, we can’t recommend a pelvic floor assessment enough; we would be honored to be a part of your journey!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• What diastasis recti actually is + most likely to experience it
• Why focusing only on the “gap” misses the bigger picture
• Common risk factors + the biggest myths we still hear about DR
• How we assess DR & look for as clinicians + how this can help you as the patient
• What treatment and recovery really look like w/diastasis recti
• Setting realistic expectations for healing vs. chasing the “bounce-back” fantasy

**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

Let’s talk about the latest “shiny object” in the world of pelvic health: fancy chairs and high-priced devices promising to “fix” your pelvic floor, with the push of a button. 

In today’s conversation, we’re getting a littttle spicy, and spilling some major pelvic floor truth bombs. Honestly, these “quick fix” solutions (like the Emsella chair, aka the Kegel chair), just DON’T sit well with us.

While they might sound appealing, the reality is these devices are expensive, over-marketed, and often miss the point ENTIRELY. You can’t outsource body awareness to a machine. These gadgets don’t help you feel your body, understand your symptoms, OR retrain your brain.

Most people don’t need more pelvic floor contractions - they NEED education, relaxation, and personalized care!

If you’re serious about improving your pelvic floor health, we’re here to remind you to skip the flashy chair. Instead, connect with a trained pelvic floor specialist who KNOWS how to help your body heal from the inside out!

In this episode, we’re covering:

• The rise of pelvic floor gadgets like the Emsella chair + why they’re not actually solving the problem
• Why you can’t outsource body awareness to a device or machine
• The wild price tag on these devices + why they’re rarely worth it
• Understanding that pelvic health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and real healing requires hands-on, whole-person care
• How fear-based marketing around these devices misses the mark on true wellness

**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:

• Ep. 42 | The Brain-Body Connection: Understanding Neuroplasticity & Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Pelvic Health (Part 1 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 43 | Pelvicology 101: The 6-Stage Framework for Rewiring Pain and Restoring Trust in the Body (Part 2 with Paige Genova)
• Ep. 15 | The Value of a Pelvic Floor Internal Assessment
• 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

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Leen Awad to the podcast today!

Dr. Leen Awad is a board-certified internal medicine doctor and lifestyle medicine physician who helps high-functioning women in their 30s and 40s take control of their health before midlife hits. 

She specializes in disease prevention, hormone shifts, energy, and the body changes that often show up during perimenopause. Dr. Leen also teaches women how to stay strong, lean, and in control with a preventative & realistic approach.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Leen walks us through her signature 6 Pillars of Health, a framework designed to help women prevent disease, boost energy, and feel strong through every season of life. From nutrition and exercise, to sleep, stress management, relationships, and avoiding toxins, her approach is refreshingly realistic AND rooted in science!

Whether you’re a busy mom, career-focused woman, or simply ready to stop putting your health on the backburner, it IS possible to “future-proof your health”. Sustainable wellness starts with one pillar at a time, and it’s time to prioritize yourself so you can THRIVE in midlife (and beyond)! 

In today’s episode, we’re covering:

• How Dr. Leen’s own burnout led her to shift from internal medicine doctor to lifestyle & mindset coach
• The lifestyle medicine training that shaped her realistic, flexible approach to health
• Using food to prevent (and even prevent) disease
• Prioritizing cardio and strength training for heart health, disease prevention & a stronger metabolism
• Building better sleep habits + why it’s essential for healing & overall health
• Managing stress through boundaries, mindfulness & simple mindset shifts
• Why building quality relationships + staying connected to people who uplift you MATTERS
• Limiting and reducing exposure to toxins & substances where possible
• Why “imperfect wellness” works & will lead to lasting results
• How to identify YOUR starting pillar that will make the biggest difference right now

**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 Leen on Instagram @drleenawad
• Learn more about working with Leen 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