In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Allie Babcock, MPH, RDN, DipACLM to explore how personalized genetics influences nutrition, inflammation, recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health.We discuss what genetic testing for lifestyle actually means, how it differs from ancestry testing, and why two people can follow the same plan yet experience completely different results.This conversation reframes genetics not as rigid rules, but as a tool for understanding how your body uniquely responds to food, stress, and healing.In this episode, we cover:• How 3X4 Genetics testing works• What genetic pathways mean for real-life health decisions• The role of genetics in inflammation and recovery• Postpartum recovery and chronic pain considerations• Who benefits most from personalized genetic testing• The future of personalized healthSage Physical Therapy & Wellness will soon be offering 3X4 Genetics testing. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, reach out to schedule your testing and consultation.Connect with Allie BabcockInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_innovationsConnect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comSubscribe to Sage Connections for more thoughtful conversations about personalized health, recovery, and wellness.#PersonalizedNutrition#GeneticTesting#Inflammation#Longevity#3X4Genetics

Many parents are told their child has ADHD, but still feel that something deeper is going on.In this episode of Sage Connections, we explore trauma in children and how it can intersect with neurodivergence, especially ADHD. We talk about how trauma impacts the nervous system, why meltdowns and behaviors are often misunderstood, and what trauma informed support can actually look like for kids and families.I am joined by Dr. Hasti Raveau, PhD, licensed psychologist and owner of Mala Child and Family Institute. Together, we discuss how trauma can show up in children, how it differs from ADHD alone, and how parents can better understand what their child’s behavior is communicating.This conversation is for parents who want clarity, compassion, and practical guidance in supporting their child.Guest InformationDr. Hasti Raveau, PhDMala Child and Family InstituteWebsite: https://www.malafamily.orgInstagram: @dr.raveauInstagram: @malainstituteConnect with Sage Physical Therapy and WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comIf this episode resonates, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review. It helps us reach more families who need these conversations.#ADHD#TraumaInChildren#NeurodivergentKids#ParentingSupport#ChildMentalHealth#TraumaInformed#NervousSystem

What does it really mean to raise a strong boy?In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Megan E. Branstetter, LMSW, a licensed social worker who works with adolescent boys and their families. We talk about emotional availability in boys, why so many boys don’t feel they have a safe place to express feelings, and how caregivers can build emotional literacy early and often.This conversation is practical and grounded. Megan shares the exact tools she uses in her work, including how to talk to adolescents without pushing them away, how to reflect feelings to build emotional language, and how to teach regulation skills in a developmentally appropriate way (yes, including “spaghetti” and “dragon breath”).In this episode, we cover:- What emotional availability actually means (identification + expression)- Why boys often don’t feel “permission” to have feelings- Early signs a boy may be struggling (internalizing vs externalizing)- How to talk to teens: available, not pushy- Why feelings are informative (and not “good” or “bad”)- Shame, guilt, and the “shoulds” boys carry- Building self worth vs self esteem- Regulation tools for kids vs teens (progressive muscle relaxation, square breathing, dragon breath)- The impact of social media, algorithms, and online communities- The most important emotional skills for healthy relationships (empathy, coping, communication)Connect with Megan E. Branstetter, LMSWDennis, Moye, Branstetter & AssociatesWebsite: https://www.dmbandassociates.comPhone: 248-451-9085Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#RaisingStrongBoys#ParentingBoys#EmotionalIntelligence#BoysMentalHealth#TeenMentalHealth#HealthyMasculinity#EmotionalHealth#ParentingSupport#AdolescentMentalHealth#SageConnections

Tummy tuck recovery is widely misunderstood. Some people are told surgery is a “quick fix,” while others are told they should never need surgery at all. The reality is far more nuanced.In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Lisa Marie Ryan, co-creator of Tummy Tuck Rehab. Lisa is a former competitive CrossFit athlete, coach, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism specialist—and she also brings the lived experience of navigating diastasis recti and ultimately choosing to have a tummy tuck herself.We have an honest, grounded conversation about what real tummy tuck recovery looks like—beyond the incision. We discuss physical rehabilitation, the mental and emotional layers of healing, common mistakes during recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild strength and confidence after surgery. Lisa also shares insight on decision-making, the balance between conservative rehab and surgical intervention, and why collaboration between surgeons, physical therapists, and fitness professionals matters so much.Tummy Tuck Rehab offers extensive free educational resources, including downloadable PDFs to help guide clients through the decision-making process around surgery. They are also launching a comprehensive return-to-fitness guide in January. In addition, Lisa is launching her own return-to-functional-fitness post–tummy tuck program in January and works one-on-one with pregnancy, postpartum, and tummy tuck clients.Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck, currently recovering, or a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more realistic framework for recovery.Connect with Lisa Marie Ryan Website: https://www.lisa-ryan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.marie.ryanTo learn more about Tummy Tuck RehabWebsite: https://www.tummytuckrehab.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehabPodcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414621Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#TummyTuckRecovery#CoreRehab#WomensHealth#PelvicFloorPT#SageConnections

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Andre Kzirian, owner of Troy City Fitness and Game Day Men’s Health in Southfield, for a grounded, evidence-based conversation on fitness, nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, and peptides—and how these systems work together to drive real results.We explore why training alone isn’t always enough, how nutrition and hormones influence fat loss and performance, and where peptides may play a supportive role when used responsibly. Andre shares his integrated approach to helping people optimize strength, recovery, metabolism, and long-term health—without relying on shortcuts or hype.If you’ve been consistent with your workouts but still feel stuck, fatigued, or frustrated with your results, this episode will help you understand what may be missing.CONNECT WITH ANDRE KZIRIANTroy City FitnessWebsite: https://www.tcfgym.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/troycityfitness and https://www.instagram.com/andre.kzirianGame Day Men’s Health – SouthfieldWebsite: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/southfield-mi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_southfield_miLocation: Southfield, MI🎁 Special Offer for ListenersFREE testosterone test for all listeners who mention Sage Connections.Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com

Episode 20 — and our first-ever live recording!Today I’m joined by Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP), PhD in Sport Physiology, and one of the most respected educators in strength training, hypertrophy, and recovery.In this episode, we break down recovery from multiple angles — physical, psychological, and identity-driven — and explore how fatigue, stress, mindset, and training demands shape the way we heal and perform.We cover:• What recovery actually means• Acute vs. chronic fatigue• Sleep, stress, nutrition, and recovery• Identity shifts during injury or setbacks• Why rest is hard for so many people• Tools to rebuild trust with your bodyWhether you train hard, work in health or fitness, or are navigating burnout or injury, this conversation brings clarity to a topic most people misunderstand.CONNECT WITH DR. MIKE ISRAETELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodizationRenaissance Periodization: https://renaissanceperiodization.comCONNECT WITH SAGE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESSWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comPRODUCTIONRecorded at Elev8 Sound StudiosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elev8soundstudiosFilmed by 888CreativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/888creative_#DrMikeIsraetel #Recovery #TrainingRecovery #Overtraining #Hypertrophy #StrengthTraining #FitnessPodcast #RenaissancePeriodization #SageConnections #AthleteHealth

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Barbara Mietling, founder of Good Stuff Cacao, to explore what truly makes chocolate healthy—from ethical sourcing and sustainability to antioxidants, heavy metals, and the future of the global cacao industry.We dive into Barbara’s personal journey into chocolate-making, how Good Stuff Cacao is redefining clean, intentional chocolate, and what consumers should actually be looking for on a label. We also discuss the growing conversation around “healthy chocolate,” including the five standards popularized by Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint protocol: high polyphenols, organic sourcing, minimal sweeteners, clean ingredients, and low heavy metals.This is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves chocolate but also cares deeply about their health, the planet, and the quality of the food they consume.Topics We Cover- What actually makes chocolate “healthy”- Polyphenols and why they matter- Heavy metals in chocolate—what consumers should know- Ethical and sustainable cacao sourcing- The current state of the global chocolate industry- Barbara’s favorite Good Stuff Cacao products- The future of clean, functional chocolateTry Good Stuff CacaoUse code SAGE20 at checkout for a special discount on any purchase.Shop here: https://goodstuffcacao.comConnect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#HealthyChocolate #Cacao #Polyphenols #GoodStuffCacao #CleanEating #LongevityNutrition #BlueprintProtocol #BryanJohnson #EthicalChocolate #FoodAsMedicine #WellnessPodcast #SageConnections #FunctionalNutrition #CleanIngredients #HeavyMetals #SustainableFood

In this episode of Sage Connections, we explore the hidden benefits of acupuncture for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum healing. Dr. Madelyn Mans, DACM, LAc, shares how Traditional Chinese Medicine supports women through conception, birth preparation, and the fourth trimester with a grounded, holistic approach.We discuss cycle regulation, hormone balance, common pregnancy symptoms, birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and how acupuncture can complement pelvic floor physical therapy for comprehensive care.Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or healing postpartum, this episode offers clarity, education, and supportive insight.Connect with Dr. Madelyn Mans, DACM, LAcWebsite: www.thefivewell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiveacupuctureFacebook: The Five Acupuncture and WellnessConnect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comTopics Covered- Acupuncture for fertility and cycle regulation- How traditional Chinese medicine views pregnancy and postpartum- Support for nausea, pelvic pain, sleep issues, and anxiety- Birth preparation with acupuncture- Postpartum nourishment and recovery- How acupuncture complements pelvic floor PT- What to expect during pregnancy and postpartum sessionsIf you found this episode helpfulPlease like, comment, share, and subscribe. Your support helps more women discover holistic care and evidence-informed guidance during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.#FertilitySupport#AcupunctureForFertility#PregnancyWellness#PostpartumHealing#TraditionalChineseMedicine#WomenHealth#PelvicFloorPT#BirthPreparation#HolisticPregnancy#TCM#FourthTrimester#NaturalFertility#SageConnections#AcupunctureBenefits