Live Better Longer

Latest Episodes:

The Story of Noah Pennypacker Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

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 country to attend his interview for OT school. Equal parts heart and humor, we end OT Month with a clinician that any FOX patient would be lucky to call their OT!

Book Review of Function Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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 & Balance, Flexibility & Structure, and Neuromotor & Cognition. It’s not necessarily about showing great strength in just one of these areas, but being able to find your blind spots to be balanced and strong in all five. For those who need a motivational push to exercise regularly, that’s where FOX’s Fitness Specialists can be tagged in to help anyone age optimally.

Together for Sharon Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

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 resources he wished existed, and the drive that keeps him writing books, advocating on Capitol Hill, perpetually networking, and working for change. It’s a moving reminder that community, compassion, and persistence matter—especially during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Papa’s Path Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

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 navigating similar journeys. From advocacy and resources to upcoming events and Parkinson’s Awareness Month, this conversation is a reminder that humanity and connection should never be overlooked in the world of healthcare. Also, stay until the end for a special surprise guest!

The Biggest Occupational Therapy Myths Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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 moments she has had to set the record straight. We also talk about what she is most excited about at this year’s AOTA Conference in Anaheim, California. If you have ever wondered where OT fits into your health journey, or you are looking for a fresh perspective on function, independence, and living well, this episode is a great way to kick off OT Month.

The Fighting Spirit of Phyllis Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

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 her life in Florida with her husband, and follow her recent move to Pittsburgh—navigating chilly winters and playful attempts by die-hard Steelers fans to sway her allegiance from her beloved Miami Dolphins.

The Business of Healthcare Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

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 better business!”

Women’s History Month Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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 borrow a shopping cart and what keeps Rachel afloat living in a tech world bound with updates, glitches, and outages. Not to give away too many spoilers, but it’s all about “community;” the guiding force that has kept these three leaders with FOX Rehabilitation for so many years.

The Future of Functional Wellness Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

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,” emphasizing early intervention over downstream treatment. John also speaks directly to students and clinicians on preparing for this shift, changing long‑held mindsets, and advocating for the value of PT amid ongoing Medicare cuts.

75-Year-Old Clinician Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

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!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected