Live Better Longer

After being struck by a car and having a subsequent stroke, Carl Haydel’s family was told he may be non-responsive for the rest of his life. Carl had other plans. Though he entered the Claiborne at Baton Rouge, an assisted living facility, in a wheelchair and was referred to three different disciplines of therapy, Carl was determined to be able to get down on bended knee, raise a ring, and propose to his girlfriend. He voiced this mission to his occupational therapist, Amanda Cabel, OTD, OTR/L, who was more than happy to help him. We are excited to...

What happens after physical therapy school ends and real-world practice begins? In this episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with FOX’s Gianna Sabo, PT, DPT, to discuss the transition from student to clinician—from choosing a career path and navigating uncertainty to overcoming early challenges in the workforce. We explore the pressure many students feel to “have it all figured out,” why giving yourself grace matters, and how new graduates can approach their first job search with confidence. Gianna also gives a recap of APTA’s 2026 Combined Sections Meeting, delivers some insight on what insp...

To all speech-language pathologists, Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! We’re kicking things off by welcoming back one of our favorite guests (and possibly a soon-to-be fill-in co-host), Elyse Gordon, MS, CCC-SLP. While Elyse has joined us on the podcast multiple times, we’ve never taken the time to break down her SLP origin story, and we have questions! Why SLP? Did she ever consider another discipline? Do all SLPs have big personalities? And why are telehealth and SLP such a perfect fit? If you’re looking for answers, that’s exactly why this week’s episode is a must-listen. Let’s offic...

To close out Occupational Therapy Month, we welcome back Noah Pennypacker, OTD, OTR/L, ATC, to FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast. Originally on a path to be an athletic trainer, we discover what made Noah change course and pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. While he lays out his OT origin story, we also find out that Noah is a thrill seeker, can come up with countless ways to include a deck of Uno cards into a treatment session, and is such a go-getter, that after his flight was cancelled—due to a polar vortex—he drove cross...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we review Scott B. Fulton’s 2026 book, Function: Turn Your Blind Spots into Strength, with FOX’s Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Jason Hazel, PT, DPT. Because Function focuses on optimal aging, this book aligns perfectly with what we do at FOX. Jason explains how our FOX Wellness program helps our clients turn back the clock and live our tagline (and the name of this podcast), of not just living longer, but living better, longer. Function centers around the five domains of Strength & Power, Cardiovascular & Recovery, Mobility...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with relentless Parkinson’s advocate, Dr. George Ackerman, who founded the movement, Together for Sharon, in memory of his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman. His goal is to raise awareness and hope for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. George reflects on his mother’s diagnosis, the isolation his family felt early on, and how losing his mother transformed his life and pushes him to fight for a cure for Parkinson’s every day. George shares what it was like to become a caregiver, the resource...

In this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with Amy Eisenberg, the co-founder of Papa’s Path (the Babbush Family Fund for Parkinson’s Education, Research and Innovation) to talk about the moment her family’s world changed when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Amy opens up about watching a renowned surgeon face retirement, identity loss, and ultimately hope through deep brain stimulation surgery. We explore the role of compassion in healing, the importance of community when families feel isolated, and how Papa’s Path was born to support others...

In honor of OT Month, FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast sits down with Amanda Cable, OTD, OTR/L, to clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about occupational therapy and discuss why it is still misunderstood by many. What does an occupational therapist actually do, and why do so many people still confuse it with physical therapy? In a full-circle moment, Amanda shares how her journey into the field actually began with a physical therapist.

Amanda breaks down the real-world impact of occupational therapy, answers the questions she hears most often, and reflects on the mo...

As a lead-up to Parkinson’s Awareness Month starting next week, on today’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down—in-person—with FOX patient, Phyllis Wetterman, and her clinician, Lauren Irvin, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP. Phyllis opens up about her diagnosis and the mindset that helped her take a proactive, “use it or lose it” approach. She shares her experience with both the LSVT BIG and LOUD training programs and explains how Lauren uses them for not only voice improvement but also cognitive improvement. We also revisit Phyllis’ years as a devoted nurse and teacher, explore...

This week on FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we speak with Founder of MEG Business Management, Brian Gallagher, PT, who talks about his journey as a physical therapist and what led him to eventually pivot into focusing on the business of healthcare. Brian discusses his role at MEG, especially how he uses his 30+ years of experience to mentor and coach individuals and companies to reach their full potential. Brian challenges the way we think about education, leadership, and what it takes to build a sustainable healthcare company, or as he puts it, “being in the business of being a bet...

Our yearly tradition continues for Women’s History Month as we pass the host microphone of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast to Regional Director, Audra Vellucci, PT, MPT, who speaks with fellow FOX leaders, Carey Sambogna, MSPT, DPT; our VP of Client Services, and Rachel Read, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS; our Director of Enterprise Systems. Carey and Rachel talk about their FOX origin stories and the transition from a clinical to a non-clinical role, which inevitably ties back to their clinical background. Find out why Carey was persuading the owner of a grocery store to let her borr...

In this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, FOX Regional Director John Dominski, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, joins the conversation to explore the future of healthcare and the evolving role of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. John shares why the profession must continue shifting from reactive care to proactive, preventative models—and how PTs can function as primary care providers of functional health. He paints a vision of a system that fully integrates PTAs, COTAs, and fitness specialists to support patients across the lifespan. The discussion unpacks the idea of “flipping the funnel,” emphasizin...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with Greg Pemberton, a 75-year-old occupational and physical therapist who truly embodies the FOX mission. Greg shares his unique perspective as both a PT and OT, and how a love of sports and creativity led him into a career in healthcare. He discusses what drives his passion for patient care, how his age helps motivate and inspire those he treats, and the meaningful connections he forms with patients, both older and younger than himself. Greg also opens up about his original goals when entering the...

On the season premiere of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we chat with music personality and one of the five original MTV VJs, Mark Goodman. At the age of 73, we find out what Mark does to stay in fighting shape, what drives him to maintain a busy schedule, and the secret to his longevity in the music industry. Mark shares details of his 2014 liver transplant and the tremendous support he received from his longtime friend—and fellow original MTV VJ—Alan Hunter. For someone who could spend the rest of their career solely diving into ‘80s nostalgia, Mark discusse...

In our season finale of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we are lucky to be joined by DJ, motivational speaker, radio host, and licensed clinical therapist, Hesta Prynn, who talks about her upcoming iHeartRadio podcast, Music is Therapy, premiering on January 15. Hesta talks about what led her to become a counselor and who inspired her to combine it with her love of music. Hesta also gives details about her Music Connection Therapy course, which uses a client’s favorite music to increase their overall emotional wellness. Taking a cue from the title of her new podcast, we discuss the...

On this week's episode of FOX Rehabilitation's Live Better Longer podcast, we welcome back our VP of Operations, Brian Fusetti, PT, DPT, who reflects on his 21 years with the practice. We travel back to 2004, when Brian was the sole FOX clinician in New York City. For practicality (because, let's face it, car parking is tough in the big city), Brian would travel from patient to patient on his motorcycle. This was back in the days of carbon copy documentation, printing out all of your driving directions, and when many people were getting their first cell phones. With FOX now being...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we welcome back Lauren Dillon, PT, MSPT, GCS, CDP. Lauren provides a brief overview of how physical therapy overlaps with the vestibular system. Because she is a Vestibular Specialist, Lauren even recounts multiple occasions when she was able to diagnose and treat herself after realizing that she had positional vertigo (don’t try this at home unless you’re qualified to do so). We also refer back to a previous episode of Live Better Longer when Lauren helped Chip, a US veteran, get a ramp installed on his fron...

On this episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, Ashley Denny, OTD, OTR/L, discusses low vision. From macular degeneration to everyday visual impairments, Ashley shares the many ways vision loss impacts patients and how therapy can help restore not just function, but confidence. She walks us through proactive strategies, smart interventions, and simple tools that make a big difference in daily living. Ashley also opens up about how she got started with FOX and the various pieces of content she creates on social media. Whether you're a clinician looking to support patients with vision loss better or wa...

The holidays can be joyful—but they can also be challenging, especially when celebrating with loved ones who have cognitive impairments. On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with Elyse Gordon, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss how families can make the season brighter and more inclusive for those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, or post-stroke challenges. From adjusting traditions and timing celebrations around the older adult’s schedule to choosing meaningful, appropriate gifts, this episode is filled with compassionate, practical advice. Learn how to lean into meaningful moments, create comfort, and ensure e...

In the latest episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down with Alaina Kramer, PT, DPT, CLT to explore the often-misunderstood world of lymphedema. Alaina breaks down what lymphedema is, why it happens, and which parts of the body are most affected. She also shares how her passion for helping patients manage this condition led her to specialize in lymphedema and oncology. From diagnosis to treatment planning, Alaina explains how physical therapy plays a powerful role in improving outcomes and quality of life. Plus, as Physical Therapy Month wraps up, we find out what Alaina has be...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Cable, OTD, OTR/L, who relocated to Louisiana late last year—and brought a bit of magic with her. When her husband’s job led them south, Amanda found a creative way to connect her new community with local spirit by orchestrating a heartwarming visit from the LSU Women’s Soccer team to her senior living community, The Claiborne at Baton Rogue. From planning the surprise to watching generations bond over laughter, stories, and school pride, Amanda shares how this event became one of the y...

In this episode of Live Better Longer, we’re joined by FOX Rehabilitation’s Vice President of Wellness, Dan Quirk, PT, DPT,  GCS, and he’s here to discuss how FOX Wellness goes beyond traditional fitness. Dan breaks down what FOX Wellness offers, why it’s such a smart investment, and how it helps older adults build strength, confidence, and independence through personalized sessions from a FOX Fitness Specialist. He explains how FOX Wellness differs from standard personal training and offers tips on how often to participate for the best results. Plus, with PT Month in full swing, Dan ties in this y...

In this episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, FOX Rehabilitation’s Aaron Baldridge, PT, DPT, GCS, CDP, FSOAE, takes us Beyond the Physical—exploring how psychosocial insights can maximize function and recovery in the aging population. Fresh off his recent webinar, Beyond The Physical: Maximizing Function in the Aging Population Through Psychosocial Insights and Strategies, Aaron discusses why patient mindset, motivation, and belief in their own progress are just as critical as the physical interventions themselves. He shares what inspired the course, how clinicians can recognize and address psychosocial barriers, and why mixing mental and physical strategies turns...

What happens when cultural understanding becomes just as important as clinical expertise? On this episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we’re joined by Paul McKoy, PT, MSPT, for an eye-opening conversation about cultural and religious sensitivity in patient care. Drawing from his own experience working with diverse populations, Paul explores how culture can deeply influence trust, communication, and clinical outcomes. From integrating culturally relevant music into therapy sessions to learning how to ask the right questions without overstepping, this episode offers both personal insight and practical strategies for clinicians. Tune in to learn how cultural awareness isn’...

In the latest episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we shine a spotlight on a remarkable Success. Debra Prox, OTR/L, BCG, NDT, LSVT, CLT, shares the inspiring journey of her patient, Paul, whose life was upended by a debilitating stroke. From Day One, Paul faced significant functional and cognitive challenges, but with Debra’s expert guidance—and the steadfast support of his wife, Anita—he began a path toward reclaiming his independence. Hear how Debra strategized, collaborated with FOX clinicians from other disciplines, and tapped into Paul’s motivation to build momentum. Small victories along the way turned...

We’re kicking off Season 9 of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer with the return of Danielle Cicala, MS, OTR/L—because when a conversation’s that good, you bring it back for part 2. From her path with FOX Rehabilitation and what young professionals should really look for in an employer, to honest insights on ADHD, parenting, and finding that elusive work-life balance, Danielle shares it all with warmth, clarity, and, of course, her trademark energy. We even dig into the latest workplace buzzwords (looking at you, Bare Minimum Mondays) and how seasons—not just in life, but in weather—can influenc...

Earlier this season on FOX Rehabilitation's Live Better Longer podcast, we discussed incorporating yoga into occupational therapy. This week, on our season finale, we’re continuing with the theme of mashups by exploring how mixed martial arts can be integrated into physical therapy. Anthony Lombardo, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, USAW, USA-PL, TSAC-F, Pn. 1, takes us through his MMA journey, as well as discussing his origins as a physical therapist. Anthony, who seems to dabble in a little bit of everything, also likes to use some powerlifting in his sessions with older adults. Anthony also discusses the work he does with the...

On this episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we’re diving into the world of health literacy with FOX occupational therapist Beth Reeves, MS, OTR/L. Beth is the founder of Health Speak, a company focused on breaking down health information so everyone—patients, families, and healthcare professionals—can truly understand and take charge of their care. Beth shares what inspired her to create Health Speak, and how her consulting, workshops, and youth ambassador program are making an impact. We also explore why health literacy is so vital in today’s healthcare landscape and what it’s like to help...

In this special National Speech-Language-Hearing Month episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer, Lis Cade, MA, MHA, CCC-SLP, CDP, dives into the transformative world of Telehealth. From her first virtual session to turning skeptics into believers, Lis shares how technology is reshaping the way speech-language pathologists connect with patients. She breaks down what a typical Telehealth visit looks like, why SLP is such a natural fit for the platform, and how it enhances both patient and clinician experiences. Plus, she reflects on her favorite parts of the profession, the future of Telehealth, and whether she’s a fan of the...

To get the word out during National Stroke Awareness Month, this week on FOX Rehabilitation's Live Better Longer podcast, we speak with Neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Dr. Violiza Inoah, MD. This year’s focus of Stroke Awareness Month is the Hispanic Community, where stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Hispanic men and the third leading cause of death in Hispanic women. Dr. Inoah discusses what factors into these distressing stats and what steps need to be taken to improve them. The overall takeaway in Stroke Aw...

In celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, this episode of Live Better Longer features Kaitlyn Fencik, MA, CCC-SLP, sharing her journey into the world of speech-language pathology. From her origin story and academic path to her passion for working with older adults, Kaitlyn opens up about what drew her to the profession—and what keeps her inspired. She reflects on standout patient moments, her decision to join FOX Rehabilitation, and what sets SLPs apart in interdisciplinary care. Plus, Kaitlyn tackles the Acronym Challenge. Whether you're an SLP, aspiring clinician, or healthcare enthusiast, don’t miss out on this week’s episode—a great...

We’re wrapping up OT Month with a bang on this final March episode of FOX Rehabilitation's Live Better Longer podcast. Join us as FOX QAPD Clinical Specialist, Brett Herman, MS, OTR/L, BCG, CDP, takes us behind the scenes of AOTA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Expo—from standout presentations to fun booths and memorable moments. Based in Philly, Brett also shares what it was like having the conference so close to home. We dive into his journey into OT, why he chose working with older adults, and how he found his way to FOX Rehabilitation. Plus, he opens up about...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we chat with Amanda Cable, OTD, OTR/L, who talks about working with older adult patients who have dementia. Amanda takes us through her background and explains how she became interested in working with older adult patients. Amanda discusses some OT interventions that have been successful with her patients, how she educates caregivers and family members, and how to come up with individualized goals, since everyone’s journey with dementia is different. We close out the episode by checking in on Amanda’s relocation to Louisiana, which she disc...

Continuing our celebration of Occupational Therapy Month, this week we chat with FOX Rehabilitation's Cristina Klymasz, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, RYT, CLT-LANA, MSCS, who talks about incorporating yoga into her occupational therapy sessions. Cristina details how a team morale event at a yoga studio made her realize how much it could benefit her patients. Being the go-getter she is, Cristina got her yoga license—not with dreams of opening her studio—but with the main intent of helping her patients. Cristina admits some patients are skeptical when the concept of yoga is brought up. Still, the results are turning doubters into...

We speak with many clinicians and healthcare professionals on FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, but we always love the opportunity to talk with a FOX patient. What’s it like to work with a FOX clinician? How was their experience with FOX? Today, we are lucky enough to chat with Catherine Duff, who has been working with FOX Virtual Care Specialist, Jenny Rothman, PT, DPT, via Telehealth. Though skeptical of doing physical therapy virtually, once it got underway, Catherine became a fan. She was also introduced to remote therapeutic monitoring through the platform, One Step, which digitally tracks a pa...

On this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we welcome FOX’s Morgan Lewis, MOT, ORT/L, to talk about her decision of getting an LSVT BIG certification—which is an intensive program that trains OTs and PTs how to treat people with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Morgan wanted to do more for her patients with Parkinson’s and thought taking the LSVT BIG course was a great place to start. Morgan describes the ins and outs of taking the course, the different options available, and the prep work involved. She then explains how to commu...

This week on FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast we welcome Executive Director of APTQI (Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation) Nikesh Patel, PT, DPT and political lobbyist, Consultant to Liberty Partners Group, and a member of the team representing APTQI, Eric Berger. Nick and Eric discuss a topic that has been particularly damaging to both older adults and our healthcare profession—the continued cuts to Medicare, which have happened over the last five years. Nick and Eric discuss the most crucial ways clinicians, patients, and family members can advocate for themselves, ensuring that older adults receive the care...

For the third consecutive year, in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we invite back FOX Rehabilitation's Audra Vellucci, PT, MPT, to take over hosting duties of our Live Better Longer podcast. Audra speaks with fellow FOX colleagues, Whitney Ueltschey, PT, and Kayley Pose, MS, OTR/L, BCG, about being a woman in a leadership position and their biggest wins with older adult patients. Audra also asks Whitney and Kayley what it was like to transition to a new practice after both of their previous companies were acquired by FOX. Both women quickly fell in love...

On our Season 8 premiere of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we chatted with FOX’s Danielle Cicala, MS, OTR/L, who talked about transitioning from Pediatrics to Geriatrics. As you will soon discover, Danielle goes into each treatment session with the goal of providing the best occupational therapy possible—regardless of her patient’s age. Her positive personality—which has been on display across FOX’s social media channels—translates to any age, although Danielle does admit she likes working with older adults because of the knowledge and wisdom she receives from them daily. She looks at therapy sessions as a...

On the Season 7 finale of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we revisit one of our favorite stories centered around a favorite FOX cultural pillar—the exchange of abundance. A few years back, our host Jim Shearer’s New York City neighbor, Melody Morrow, received a monthly receipt from her healthcare provider and noticed that someone drew musical notes above her name. Melody thought that was a very nice detail and called her provider to find out who was responsible for this small act of kindness. It turned out to be the accounting clerk, Emily Margolis. Long story short, the en...