The Physio Diaries

This week Al and Mel dive into the spiciest hot takes shaking up the PT and healthcare world and yah, the comment  section did not disappoint. We unpack whether all PT students should be lifting weights, if physical therapists are just “glorified personal trainers,” and why the “DPT” title drama has everyone fired up. We also get real about people taking PT advice from ChatGPT, plus whether healthcare pros can post fun content and still be taken seriously (Mel brings all the receipts 👀). Enjoy!!!

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It’s finally time to clock back into the Break Room for a long-overdue life update!! Mel and Al catch up on six weeks of travel PT chaos: think NYE sickness, flu-level setbacks, new contracts, weddings in Mexico, ski trips, and debating extensions in Savannah and Sacramento. They also answer your questions about making friends on the road, defining a tax home, and trusting your own career path (even when others may disagree). Enjoy!!

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In  episode 69, we bring on travel tax expert Nermina Culesker CPA to finally make sense of the tax chaos that comes with traveling healthcare jobs. We break down big, scary topics like multi-state taxes, tax homes, stipends, and audits into clear, real-life advice travelers can actually use. Nermina spills the biggest tax mistakes travelers make, what rules are changing in 2026, and how to protect your money before tax season sneaks up on you. We end off with a rapid-fire game that keeps things fun while dropping money wisdom you won’t hear on TikTok. By the end, you’ll feel way more confident, way less stressed, and ready to travel smart with receipts in hand. Enjoy!!

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Nermina Culesker CPA who specializes in Travel Healthcare!

Let her know  “The Physio Diaries” referred you!

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YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY ENTERED THE BREAK ROOM. In episode 68, Al and Mel recap a huge podcast year packed with weekly episodes, 22 amazing guests, favorite episodes, and some major personal wins: from cross-country contracts and Europe trips to new certifications and business moves. We reflect on last year’s goals (some crushed, some still loading), share New Year’s Eve plans, and get real about the ebb and flow of travel life. Looking ahead, we drop our 2026 intentions, from skating and pelvic floor certs to deeper friendships, intentional living, and big content dreams. We close out with sharing our big plans for collabs, guests, merch, and TravCon 2026. We are officially signing off 2025 with love and five-star energy <3

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In episode  67,  Mel & Al chat with Matt Huey, PT, MPT, Dip MDT, CCI, CMTPT, FAAOMPT one of TikTok’s favorite physical therapists and king of painfully accurate clinic humor. We get to know Matt’s journey into physical therapy, the biggest changes he’s seen in the profession, and how the McKenzie Method shaped his approach to care. He breaks down why old school treatments like e-stim and heat aren’t always the answer anymore, and how he explains modern, evidence based care to more skeptical patients. Things get extra fun as Matt shares some of the wildest things patients have ever said to him and opens up about longevity, burnout, and why he’s managed to stick with the career. We wrap it all up chatting about what inspired his social media content and whether he’d choose physical therapy all over again.

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on our personal research and experiences. They reflect our own thoughts and are not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

In  episode 66, we break down everything your professors/clinicians AREN’T telling you about travel healthcare. We dive into the difference between internal vs. external travel, how to scout and choose staffing agencies, and what to look for when it comes to mentorship, CEUs, and benefits. We also talk about the travel lifestyle, including minimalism, being open to change, and staying organized with documentation templates. Plus, we answer the most common questions we get from students and new grads - whether travel is a good idea right after graduation, contract lengths, compact vs. non-compact states, and PAY. Enjoy!!

⁠Book your Tax Home Consultation today!⁠

Nermina Culesker CPA who specializes in Travel Healthcare!

Let her know  “The Physio Diaries” referred you!

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on our personal research and experiences. They reflect our own thoughts and are not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

In episode 65, Mel and Al sit down with the amazing Jimmy Choi, who shares how he turned a Parkinson’s diagnosis into one of the most powerful comeback stories you have ever heard. He talks about his early symptoms, the fear of being told he’d be in a wheelchair by 45, and the moment he decided to completely rewrite his future. Jimmy walks us through how small habits, community, and yes hundreds of burpees helped him go from using a cane to competing on American Ninja Warrior. They also dive into the biggest misconceptions about Parkinson’s and what day-to-day life with the condition is actually like. It’s an episode that will leave you inspired, hopeful, and ready ready to go try a burpee or two.

Jimmy Choi IG

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on our personal research and experiences. They reflect our own thoughts and are not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

In episode 64, Mel & Al  dive into the world of wellness trends to figure out what’s legit and what’s just flashy marketing. We break down vibration plates, coconut probiotic yogurt, posture correcting bras, and long distance races/training. We absolutely love to keep up with all the wellness trends, making these episodes quarterly because the wellness world is ever-changing and sometimes it just gets hard to keep up. We combine our healthcare background, with recent research as well as personal experiences to bring you guys this episode. If you have used any of these products or have any that you would like us to talk about in future episodes of this segment send a message!! 

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on our personal research and experiences. They reflect our own thoughts and are not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY ENTERED THE BREAK ROOM. This episode is giving pure chaotic catch up energy as Mel questions her entire approach to adulthood and Al prepares for yet another move. Mel spills on turning 28, entering her MILF-car era, and whether mac and cheese belongs on a Thanksgiving spread. Al chats about wrapping up her Monterey contract and starts plotting a snowy escape to Lake Tahoe with her work fam. She’s also contemplating a potential return to Hawaii because she can’t sit still for more than five minutes. Enjoy!!

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In episode 62, Mel & Al dive into the world of fertility with Dr. Sasha Hackman MD, who breaks down the biggest myths and misconceptions people still believe. We chat about what really affects egg and sperm health, from lifestyle habits to environmental factors. Dr. Hackman walks us through fertility options like IVF, IUI, and egg freezing: what they are, who they’re for, and what some people might not know about them. We also tackle some of the internet’s wildest fertility advice in a rapid-fire myth or fact game! If you want science-backed info delivered with real talk, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!!

Dr. Sasha Hakman MD IG:

Dr. Sasha Hakman MD Website

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Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on our personal research and experiences. They reflect our own thoughts and are not intended as professional advice. We encourage listeners to do their own research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only.