Live Better Longer

On the Season 10 finale of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we welcome back Anthony Lombardo, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, USAW, USA-PL, TSAC-F, Pn. 1. Anthony is fresh off two new certifications, expanding his expertise further into oncology and pelvic floor physical therapy. First, he talks about how patients can strengthen their pelvic floor and highlights the benefits of incorporating good breathing techniques. He then discusses what pushed him to specialize in cancer rehabilitation, teaching PTs how to safely work with individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Because pushing a patient too hard can cause fatigue to carry over into subsequent sessions, finding the right clinical balance is vital. We close out our season finale by discussing why enjoying the learning process is so important and how continuing education ultimately benefits both clinicians and patients.

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 Cable, OTD, OTR/L, who was more than happy to help him. We are excited to report that not only did his girlfriend, Rachel, say “yes,” but a video clip of Carl and Amanda’s OT sessions went viral and was featured in a recent article by People Magazine. This week, we catch up with Carl and Amanda to talk all about their amazing story, when Carl and Rachel’s wedding is happening, and what it’s like to be social media-famous!

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 profession and what keeps him energized in his work. Plus, listeners get a glimpse into his life off the clock and the hobbies that bring him joy. This episode is a testament to living better, longer—for both patients and clinicians like Greg!

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 scientific reasons why “music” literally “is therapy.” A song has the power to build confidence, create new neural pathways, and help guide someone through a traumatic life experience. The episode ends with Hesta Prynn asking FOX clinicians to let her know what they are listening to in their cars while driving to and from house calls by leaving a message on her Instagram page.

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 front porch, thanks to the organization Twilight Wish. Celebrating her 20th anniversary with FOX this year, Lauren recalls her very first day, which included bringing her baby daughter along to the interview and watching her crawl around Dr. Tim Fox’s office. We close out the episode by turning the tables on our host, Jim Shearer. Lauren gets to play interviewer and assumes the hosting duties of our Live Better Longer podcast!

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 every family member—no matter their abilities—feels part of the celebration. Discover how to make this holiday season truly inclusive.

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 year’s most inspiring Success Stories. Tune in to hear how teamwork, compassion, and a dash of Tiger pride turned an ordinary day into something extraordinary—and find out what Amanda has up her sleeve next!

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 therapy into something bigger. If you missed Aaron’s live session, you can still earn three CEUs by registering for the recorded version at greatseminarsonline.com.