As dedicated physical therapists, our commitment to education and self-improvement never ends. However, we’re also busy professionals trying to balance work, home, social, and family life. Podcasts are a great way to stay on top of industry news, get inspired, and learn how to be better at, well, everything.
Personally, I love podcasts. In fact, one of my favorite activities is listening to a nicely polished podcast while walking my two dogs. I also listen while at the gym. When I am pushing myself with strength work, listening to podcasts takes my mind off of the weight routine and also doubles my focus on the topics being discussed.
Below are a few of my favorite podcasts as well as links to some PT-focused ones. Hope you enjoy!
General Podcasts:
- Radiolab: “Devoted to investigating a strange world,” Radiolab is hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich. Sample episodes cover everything from the right way to apologize to discussing the blurring of lines between technology and humanity.
- TED Radio Hour on NPR: This program has great application to PT and PT ownership. It is based on Talks given by speakers on the TED stage and “is centered on a common theme—such as the source of happiness, crowd-sourcing innovation, power shifts, or inexplicable connections.” Hosted by the fabulous Guy Raz.
- TED Talks Daily: Listen to TED Talks on the go every weekday with this feed, which brings the latest talks in audio format. You get to “hear thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable—from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between—given by the world’s leading thinkers and doers.”
- Masters of Scale: Hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, this podcast has great application to business and patient management. Hoffman shows “how companies grow from zero to a gazillion, testing his theories with legendary leaders.” Guests include Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, and Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify.
- Moonshots: Hosted by Chad Owen and Mike Parsons, this podcast “goes behind the scenes of the world’s greatest innovators to discover the secrets to their success. Each episode deconstructs the skills and behaviors that define their breakthrough business ideas.” Sample podcasts cover the books of Simon Sinek, who motivates his audience by thinking differently about how we behave and lead companies.
- Freakonomics Radio: Freakishly popular podcast hosted by award-winning author, journalist, and TV and radio personality Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics Radio “tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do)—from the economics of sleep to how to become great at just about anything.” This podcast has great application to sociology and patient behavior patterning.
PT Podcasts:
- PT Pintcast: Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT, talks physical therapy “with the leading minds in the field, over a beer.” A sample episode discusses rethinking dynamic knee valgus and injury.
- PT TechTalk: Physical therapists Rob Vining and Dave Kittle discuss technology and physical therapy. A sample episode discusses how one PT used social media to double her practice in 30 days.
- Evidence in Motion: Drs. John Childs and Mark Shepherd discuss the latest news and evidence from physical therapy leaders. A sample episode covers the disconnect between research and clinical practice, why it’s such a major issue in the PT field, and some solutions.
- Pain Reframed: Sponsored by the International Spine & Pain Institute, this podcast is hosted by Drs. Tim Flynn and Jeff Moore and discusses how pain is being managed in society, and also how healthcare providers can minimize patient suffering. A sample episode discusses physical therapy as the first point of care for low back pain.
Note: Ben Wobker, PT, MSPT, CSCS, SFMAC, is helping expand Luna’s reach into the Pacific Northwest. Based in Seattle, Ben is excited to educate PTs and spread the word about Luna. Read more about Ben.
