We explore a connection most clinicians overlook: the link between the feet and the pelvic floor. Whether you treat pelvic health directly or not, understanding this relationship can drastically improve patient outcomes, especially for those with chronic tightness, pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction. You'll learn how fascia, the nervous system, and postural mechanics all play a role—and why traditional Kegels alone often miss the mark.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fascial connections from feet → diaphragm → pelvic floor
• Why tight calves, foot swelling, or poor toe mobility may signal deeper pelvic or lymphatic issues
• How the homunculus explains the foot–genital sensory link 
• How foot pressure and posture influence pelvic floor contraction
• Why traditional Kegels often miss the mark, especially for urinary leakage
• How to use weight distribution cues (big toe, pinky toe, heel) to improve pelvic floor recruitment

0:00 Introduction to Feet and Pelvic Floor Connection

01:00 Fascial Connections: The First Link

07:38 Homunculus: The Brain-Body Map

10:12 Kegels and Pelvic Floor Mechanics

14:34 Practical Tips for Clinicians

18:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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We dig into where traditional gastroenterology often falls short—and how functional medicine can fill in the gaps. I’m joined by Shefaly Ravula, PA-C a Physician Assistant and Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, who shares how her background in GI and nutrition evolved into a more personalized, whole-person approach.

We cover common clinical red flags, what to do when patients have “normal” GI tests but still feel terrible, and how to blend diagnostics with nutrition and long-term strategy. We also explore how menopause impacts gut health, the nuance around HRT, and why patient education is everything when it comes to sustainable results.

This episode is packed with insight for healthcare professionals and curious listeners alike who want to better understand the gut-brain-body connection.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Red flags that may point to deeper gut dysfunction (chronic bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
• How microbiome stool tests compare to SIBO breath testing
• Why antibiotics, low FODMAP diets, and gut supplements only offer temporary relief
• The connection between IBS and SIBO—and how many are misdiagnosed
• How functional medicine combines traditional diagnostics with root-cause care
• The relationship between estrogen, motility, microbiome health, and inflammation in menopause
• Why HRT decisions should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all
• How pelvic floor dysfunction and trauma can influence GI symptoms
• What providers can do, even in short visits, to screen more effectively

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:12 Meet Shafaly Founder of Precision Gut Health

00:55 Episode Overview: Key Topics and Takeaways

02:32 Dr. Mary's Approach to Whole Body Healing

03:17 Shafaly’s Journey into Functional Medicine

06:13 Challenges in Integrating Functional Medicine

14:31 Understanding IBS and SIBO

18:30 The Role of Testing in Gut Health

24:09 Antibiotics and Gut Health: A Complex Relationship

29:11 Patient Advocacy and Navigating the Medical System

32:27 Chronic Constipation and Structural Issues

33:04 The Multifaceted Nature of IBS

33:56 The Role of Trauma in IBS

35:01 The Importance of Personalized Medicine

40:43 Challenges with Restrictive Diets and Antibiotics

46:16 Menopause and Gut Health

50:31 The Controversy of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

57:41 Conclusion and Contact Information

You can find Shefaly below:

IG: @precisionguthealth

https://precisionguthealth.com

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In this episode of TMI Talk with Dr. Mary, we dive into one of the most overlooked full-body connections: the link between the jaw (TMJ) and the pelvic floor. If your clients are dealing with jaw tension, clenching, or TMJ issues—there’s a good chance they’re also holding tension in the pelvic floor. And if you’re only treating one site, you're likely missing the full picture.

 What You’ll Learn:

• Why tight jaws often mean tight pelvic floors
• The fascial connection from tongue → diaphragm → pelvic floor
• How diaphragmatic restriction leads to compensatory jaw and pelvic tension
• The role of the autonomic nervous system in clenching, grinding, and guarding
• Why HRV and breathwork are clinical tools, not just wellness fluff
• How digestion, posture, and stress all play into this loop

00:00 Introduction to TMJ and Pelvic Floor Connection

01:55 Understanding the Fascial Connection

05:51 Nervous System's Role in TMJ and Pelvic Floor

12:41 Impact of Digestion on TMJ and Pelvic Floor

15:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Heather Guidone joins us to help work through all of the noise surrounding endometrosis. 

She the Program Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care and a Board Certified professional health Advocate. She has focused on 'bench to beltway to bedside' efforts in endometriosis research funding and facilitation, legislation and policy reform, education, advocacy and activism, patient-centric care, and more for over thirty years; importantly, she is also someone who has struggled with the disease. 

What we will discuss: 

-Why the "retrograde menstruation" theory falls short

-Why birth control, pregnancy, and hysterectomy aren't  cures

-The key differences between ablation and excision surgery

-Why diagnosis requires skilled listening, imaging, and sometimes biopsy

-How trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation can influence symptoms

-The critical role of patient autonomy, informed consent, and individualized care

-How to find a skilled excision surgeon and what questions to ask

-Non-surgical ways to manage endo symptoms (like PT, stress regulation, and nutrition)

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to Endometriosis Mismanagement

00:28 Meet Heather Guidon: Advocate and Expert

00:59 Debunking Myths: Retrograde Menstruation and More

03:55 Understanding Endometriosis: Beyond Painful Periods

13:03 The Role of Trauma and Stress in Endometriosis

15:09 Patient-Centric Care and Informed Consent

28:18 Diagnosis and Treatment Options

40:05 Understanding Excision and Ablation

42:31 Challenges in Accessing Quality Care

46:09 Questions to Ask Your Provider

49:16 The Importance of Compassionate Care

54:05 Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments

59:27 The Role of Hormonal Treatments

01:07:01 Endometriosis: A Multifactorial Approach

01:09:35 How to Reach Out for Help

01:13:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

You can learn more about Heather at:

https://www.centerforendo.com/

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In this episode of TMI Talk, Dr. Mary announces a shift in the focus of her podcast towards addressing health and movement professionals. Dr. Mary highlights the importance of integrating mind, body, and soul in healing practices, especially for chronic pain management. She explores various techniques, including understanding biomechanics, the nervous system, fascia, lymphatic flow, somatics, and Eastern medicine principles. 

She also emphasizes the significance of addressing emotional and spiritual components in healing and the critical role of self-work for healthcare providers. The episode emphasizes a comprehensive, holistic approach to health and pain management, aiming to empower practitioners.

If you're a movement professional and want to stay in touch, sign up for my newsletter below for podcast updates, upcoming events and more.

00:00 Introduction to TMI Talk

00:33 New Studio and Direction

01:06 Focus on Health and Movement Professionals

03:16 Biomechanics and the Nervous System

04:13 Understanding Fascia and Lymphatic System

05:25 Primal Instincts and Modern Lifestyle

07:51 Somatics and Body Awareness

11:47 Incorporating Eastern Medicine

17:51 Holistic Approach to Pain and Healing

23:46 The Importance of Self-Work

31:13 Conclusion and Future Directions

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Dr. Mary sits down with Sue Hitzmann—An internationally recognized educator in neurofascial science, manual therapist, exercise physiologist, and a New York Times Best Seller.

They dive into how fascia is more than just “connective tissue”—it's a sensory and structural system that holds the impact of stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotions. 

They also talk about grief: Sue shares what she learned after the loss of her husband, and Dr. Mary opens up about navigating the recent death of her brother. Together, they speak honestly about how they've found ways to keep living—and even experiencing joy—through it all.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The role of fascia in nervous system regulation, movement, and emotional processing
• How emotions like grief, anger, and fear can physically show up in the body
• What “self-care” really means
• The difference between pain and suffering—and how mindset, movement, and awareness shape both
• How to support your clients (and yourself) when emotions surface

Whether you're a healthcare provider, movement professional, or just someone trying to feel more at home in your body, this conversation blends science, story, and soul in a way that might just change how you approach pain, emotions, and healing.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:20 Meet Sue Hitzmann: Her Journey and the MELT Method
01:21 Diving into Fascia: Understanding Its Importance
03:33 Sue's Personal Story: From Pain to Discovery
07:26 The Role of Fascia in Health and Longevity
09:03 Challenges in Medical Understanding of Fascia
12:56 The Nervous System and Its Impact on Health
23:24 Managing Stress and Emotional Health
32:08 The Broken Healthcare System and Insurance Issues
34:27 Advocating for Her Mother’s Care
35:13 Understanding the Healthcare System
35:47 The Reality of Suffering and Grief
36:20 Choosing Resilience Over Suffering
37:56 Sharing Personal Stories About Grief
39:17 Living in the Present Moment
49:11 Managing Stress and the Nervous System
52:31 Embracing Emotions and Healing
01:02:38 The Importance of Self-Care
01:03:38 Conclusion and Contact Information

You can learn more about Sue and her work at: https://meltmethod.com

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Are you stuck in the chronic pain loop? Tried the meds, scans, and PT—and still in pain?

Or are you a rehab pro who’s great with injuries, but struggle with patients in chronic pain?

If so, this is the episode for you. Dr. Mary welcomes Dr. Megan Steele, a physical therapist specializing in chronic somato-visceral pain and pain science. They discuss various topics including gut health, chronic pain, the nervous system, the impact of subconscious beliefs, and the role of spirituality in supporting the nervous system. 

Dr. Steele shares her insights into how stress and nervous system dysregulation affect physical and mental health, as well as the holistic approaches she employs in her practice. The conversation also delves into the significance of understanding the body's cues, the impact of trauma on health perceptions, and the benefits of integrating spiritual beliefs for overall well-being.

00:00 Welcome to TMI Talk with Dr. Mary
00:23 Introducing Dr. Megan Steele
01:44 Understanding Gut Health and Pain
02:33 The Role of the Nervous System
02:45 Impact of Trauma and Travel on Gut Health
02:57 Spirituality and the Nervous System
03:12 Practical Tips for Managing Pain
04:11 Diving into the Interview
04:44 Dr. Steele's Journey into Gut Health
07:54 The Gut-Brain Connection
09:47 Challenges in Treating Chronic Pain
11:42 The Role of Exercise in Pain Management
15:55 Visualizing and Managing Pain
22:40 The Subconscious and Pain
26:06 Connecting Emotions and Physical Symptoms
37:28 The Importance of Social Support
39:05 Understanding Intuition and Interoception
41:06 The Impact of Social Support and Isolation
41:34 Spiritual Beliefs and Nervous System
45:29 Associative Learning and Pain Management
54:10 Environmental Factors and Nervous System
57:32 Travel, Nervous System, and Digestion
01:05:06 Menstrual Cycle, Pain, and Research Challenges
01:13:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

You can learn more about Dr. Megan Steele below:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painscienceprof/

https://www.megansteelept.com/

If you are a health or movement professional and want to stay in touch with future episodes, webinars, courses, events and more. Subscribe to my email list below:

https://drmarygrimberg.kit.com/4d90cba40b

If you are a health or movement professional and want to stay in touch with future episodes, webinars, courses, events and more. Subscribe to my email list here

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Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling like something was… off? 

Or maybe you were told “we’re going to fix you” without anyone asking what you thought or how you felt. If so, this episode is for you.

In this deeply honest and approachable conversation, Dr. Mary sits down with holistic chiropractor Dr. Jocelyne Vo to talk about something that’s not discussed nearly enough: how to find a practitioner who truly creates a safe space for healing-and how to tell when you’re being bamboozled by marketing, ego, or rushed care.

Both Dr. Mary and Dr. Jocelyne share their insights as trauma-informed, hands-on practitioners who prioritize real connection, personalized care, and a collaborative approach to healing. They discuss what a safe space really means in healthcare, how trauma (even the unspoken kind) shows up in the body, and why true healing can’t be rushed—or outsourced.

Together, they cover:

-Why the energy of a clinic matters (spoiler: your nervous system knows before your brain does)

-How to spot red flags like high-pressure sales pitches or “I’m going to fix you” language

-The importance of longer intake sessions and slower, more intentional care

-How trauma-informed providers can hold space without rehashing trauma

-Why consent is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time checkbox

-How chronic stress and pain often show up as symptoms—and what to do about it

-The delicate dance between self-responsibility and practitioner support

-Why “body awareness” is more powerful than a list of exercises you'll forget to do

This episode is packed with practical, science-backed, heart-centered guidance for anyone looking to build a healthcare team that truly supports them. Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or you’ve seen all the specialists and are still looking for answers, this episode will help you trust yourself, listen to your body, and know what to look for in a provider.

Because healing isn’t about handing over your power. It’s about reclaiming it—with the right people by your side.


0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:25 Meet Dr. Jocelyn Vo
02:51 Starting the Conversation: Safe Spaces in Healthcare
04:00 Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
06:49 The Importance of Initial Assessments
08:42 Patient Participation and Body Awareness
11:29 Chronic Pain and Holistic Approaches
20:16 The Role of Psychology in Physical Health
22:26 Building Trust with Patients
22:59 Challenges with Quick Fixes
23:51 The Importance of Listening to Your Body
27:48 Creating a Comfortable Environment
30:34 Understanding Consent in Healthcare
32:31 Trauma-Informed Care
37:16 Finding the Right Practitioner
42:57 Conclusion and Contact Information


You can learn more about Dr. Vo below:
https://www.chiropractic-healingtouch.com/
IG: @chirohealingtouch

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In this powerful conversation, Dr. Mary sits down with fellow physical therapist and cancer survivor Shanel Arimilli to unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and chronic stress patterns can silently sabotage your health. Shanel shares her personal journey—how a cancer diagnosis ultimately guided her transformation from a traditional PT to a holistic healer.

Together, they explore the intersection of quantum physics, neuroscience, human physiology, and spirituality, and how true healing goes far beyond just treating symptoms. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or like your body is begging for help while you're trying to “do everything right,” this episode will speak to you.

00:00 Introduction to TMI Talk with Dr. Mary

00:15 Meet Shanel Arimilli: A Journey from Physical Therapy to Healing

02:14 Diving into Shanel's Cancer Journey and Healing

05:46 The Power of Emotions and Intuition in Medicine

07:42 Understanding Pain and Its Messages

11:59 Integrating Physical and Spiritual Healing

25:27 The Role of Patterns in Healing

34:31 Exploring Different Types of Journaling

34:46 Understanding and Connecting with Emotions

40:34 The Importance of Asking for Help

41:17 Healing Through Community and Self-Awareness

44:01 Personal Stories of Overcoming Cancer

52:06 The Power of Imagination and Self-Discovery

52:50 Challenging Societal Norms and Embracing Authenticity

55:36 Taking Baby Steps Towards Self-Improvement

56:38 Final Thoughts and Resources for Healing

You can learn more about Shenal here

If you are a health or movement professional and want to stay in touch with future episodes, webinars, courses, events and more. Subscribe to my email list here

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Dr. Meghan Teed, a physical therapist specializing in scoliosis and a dear friend to Dr. Mary, joins the podcast with Dr. Mary this week. The conversation addresses common myths about scoliosis, such as the misconception that scoliosis can't cause pain or that it can't progress beyond adolescence. 

Dr. Meg mentions the role of hormones (especially during peri-menopause) and stress in scoliosis progression and explains how specialized physical therapy for scoliosis differs from traditional methods. The episode also covers when to consider using a brace, opting for surgery and non-surgical treatment options, the controversy around heel lifts, and the importance of finding a practitioner who makes you feel comfortable without forcing you into quick fixes. 

Dr. Meg emphasizes the need to be wary of overly simplistic or quick-fix solutions presented online. Lastly, Dr. Mary and Dr. Meg discuss the potential connection between childhood trauma, chronic stress, genetics and scoliosis and how understanding your curve can help in managing the condition effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Scoliosis

00:24 Meet Dr. Meghan Teed

02:44 Common Myths About Scoliosis

04:44 Scoliosis and Pain Misconceptions

06:34 Scoliosis Progression and Hormonal Influences

09:20 Finding the Right Help for Scoliosis

17:14 Braces and Surgery for Scoliosis

26:18 Personal Experiences and Professional Insights

29:57 Pelvic Floor Assessments and Sensitivity

30:47 Critical Thinking in Continuing Education Courses for Those Who have Scoliosis

33:29 Trauma-Informed Care in Scolisis

34:05 Finding the Right Practitioner Who Doesnt Shame you

37:18 Genetic Factors in Scoliosis

40:07 Hormonal Influences on Scoliosis

44:35 Scoliosis-Specific Exercises

49:08 Heel Lifts and Leg Length Discrepancies

51:07 Summarizing Key Points

53:56 Contact Information and Resources

You can learn more about Dr. Meghan Teed here: 

Her podcast: Ahead of the curve

Learn more about her and her services at her website https://thescoliotherapist.com/

If you are a health or movement professional and want to stay in touch with future episodes, webinars, courses, events and more. Subscribe to my email list here

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