You're Not Alone Podcast

Morgan And Valerie
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Hi, it's Val and Morgan, come along on our journey as we talk about life challenges and insight into living with a disability and or being a caregiver.  We talk about all things related to living and understanding life with a disability, and no topics are off-limits.  In each episode, we will explore the experiences, perspectives, and stories of individuals who have faced and overcome the obstacles imposed by disability. Through candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, they shed light on the diverse realities of life with disabilities, dismantling misconceptions and fostering empathy along the way.If you would like to share your story,  give tips and tricks and, have questions or comments about our podcast, please email us at yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

  1. Jul 29

    Scrub & Roll with Ayleen and Jesus - Talking Business Ownership & Disability Advocacy

    Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!  In this episode we meet Ayleen, who is here to share intimate details of her life including being born with cerebral palsy and recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is quite the entreprenuer, the founder and owner of 'Scrub & Roll', a mobility device cleaning service located here in Mesa, Arizona! Ayleen is joined by Jesus, her partner and love, who supports her in all aspects of life. We first discussed all the business details! Together they share stories about clients they've helped who had a fresh new look while they roll out for the night!  We then shifted gears and got down to the nitty gritty - that things can't always be rainbows and sunshine! Ayleen shares her life goals, the challenges with finding love (and keeping it!), and how she faces life with a positive outlook. Jesus shares his perspective as caregiver and partner, and offers insight to the qualities he loves most about Ayleen, including her spirit and kind heart.  Take a listen to this beautiful couple and honestly, take a few notes - they've got it figured out! Thank you so much, Ayleen & Jesus, for sharing your story with our listeners!  Scrub and Roll -  Phone: 480-238-2070     Email: scrubandroll@gmail.com **Scrub and Roll is providing a special offer for Neuro & Brain Performance clients:  Mileage fees are waived, you only pay the base rate for your cleaning! ** Follow Scrub & Roll on social media!  Facebook: Scrub and Roll Instagram: @scrubandroll                                                                    ******** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com                                                                     ******** If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  2. May 5

    Caffeinate & Advocate! - Talking APTA, Washington D.C. & Medicare Payment Reform

    Welcome back to You're Not Alone Podcast!  This week Val shares all about her trip to Washington D.C. with the APTA to advocate on behalf of physical therapy and our amazing patients.  In April, 250 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy descended upon Washington D.C.  in part of APTA's annual PT Day at the Capitol to lobby for important changes benefiting the profession and our patients.  While it isn't the most entertaining topic, Medicare payment reform remains high on the list of discussion points while lobbying at the Capitol. For far too long, Medicare payment has remained stagnant and has not reflected the rising inflation rates many clinics are negatively impacted by. Add in the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy and you'll see why this advocacy is vital for the future of physical therapy and meeting community needs.  Additionally, the APTA strongly advocated against moving physical therapy out of the professional degree catagory, as this limits federal student loans to a lifetime cap of $100,000, well above most DPT program tuition costs. Val shares her predictions of what this could mean down the line.  If you are interested in writing your congressional representatives in support of the motions and legislation discussed in this episode, please visit:  https://www.apta.org/advocacy/take-action/patient-action-center The letters are pre-filled, making it easy to write to your local representatives in just minutes! Thank you in advance!!  ************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  3. Mar 24

    Ra-Jon's Story - Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Recovery

    Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!  This week, Morgan and Val interviewed Ra-Jon James, who shares his amazing recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, often referred to as GBS.  Ra-Jon's symptoms were dismissed by his local urgent care as "just the flu", but within days, he would be receiving life-saving measures and months of therapies to regain his ability to walk and live independently again.  Ra-Jon shares the intimate details of his recovery and what inspired him to keep going, and gives thanks to his family and friends for raising him up when he was not feeling strong. Shout out to Ra-Jon's parents and his wonderful friend, Maureen, who motivated him to keep moving forward - literally!!  Thank you, Ra-Jon, for sharing your amazing recovery story with us!!  ******************************************************************************** Details about Guillain-Barre Syndrome via Mayo Clinic website: "Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital. Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus. There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue." (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793) ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  4. Mar 10

    Q & A with Morgan and Val - Presenting to Creighton University's DPT Program

    Welcome back to another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast!  Recently, Morgan and Val were asked to present to Creighton University's DPT Program for their Neurological Organization Day. While prepping for their presentation, they decided to also bring their podcast friends along and allow you to listen in as they answer student's questions.   ***************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  5. Feb 24

    Community Resources and NPSA Week with Kiera Flahart, PTA, of Encompass Health East Valley

    Join us as we discuss community resources, collaboration, and patient-centered care with Kiera Flahart, PTA from Encompass Health East Valley.  Morgan, Val, and Kiera each have a unique experience with managing patient care and caregivers and they share their perspectives on how best to navigate early interventions and the transition to outpatient care. Kiera points out the three C's of advocacy: collaborate, connect, and communicate - all values that we each believe in while managing patient care.  Kiera shares details not only about the upcoming National Patient Safety Awareness Week and events being held during the week at Encompass Health East Valley, but also many resources available to patients and caregivers the community may be unaware of.  Thank you to Kiera and Encompass Health for all you do for our community!!  National Patient Safety Awareness Week -  March 8-14, 2026 Scheduled events at Encompass Health East Valley: Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 @ 3pm - Damsel in Defense Thursday, March 12th, 2026 @ 3pm - R.O.S.E. Fraud Seminar for the Elderly Address: Encompass Health East Valley 5652 E Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85206 480-567-0350  Upcoming Events: Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona - Run, Walk & Roll 10k/5k/1 mile Event, Saturday, March 21st @ Kiwanis Park Community support groups at Encompass Health East Valley: Parkinson's Disease - PWR group - 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 1pm Amputee support group - last Monday of every month Stroke support group - 4th Wednesday of every month @ 2pm Other community resources talked about during podcast: Meals on wheels : https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org  Arizona self help: https://www.arizonaselfhelp.org Measurabilities: https://measurabilities.com Ability 360: https://ability360.org Azcaregiver.org Area Agency on Aging: https://www.aaaphx.org Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona: BIAAZ.org

  6. Jan 27

    Nancy's Story - CVA/Stroke Recovery

    Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!  Join Morgan and Val as they interview stroke survivor Nancy Consalvo and learn more about her recovery and what got her through the last two years of rehabilitation. Nancy credits her husband, Matt, and son, Ben, for their quick action and getting on the phone to call for life-saving aid. Nancy discusses everything from rehab to returning home, and eventually returning to traveling, after hearing encouraging words from her primary care physician, Dr. Powell - "Live your life - What's the point of surviving something like this if you're not gonna live?"  Nancy, always the teacher, has gone on to earn a certificate as a neuro science coach and continues to learn about how the brain recovers from a stroke. She continues to work hard in physical and occupational therapy and is a true believer in neuroplasticity - the brain's lifelong ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.  Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your journey with us!!  ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  7. Jan 14

    Season 3 - Welcome to 2026!

    Join us as Morgan and Val recap their 2025 summary, Morgan's ACL recovery, and Val's cruise to the Bahamas and Chris trialing the RioMobility Firefly device on the trip. Val was very excited to finally get Chris into the ocean, but certainly needed the help from a few others to get him back out! Listen in to hear more about the recent adventures from your podcast friends!  ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

  8. 11/18/2025

    John's Story - Motor Neuron Disease

    Welcome back to the You're Not Alone Podcast! Today we are joined by John Wynkoop, PT, DPT and Army Veteran. John recently began showing symptoms that raised concern - Muscle rigidity, spasms, weakness, and an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong within his body. After completing many tests, only one showed abnormalities - a pulmonary test showing reduced function at 69%. However John's education as a physical therapist has given him the upper hand in understanding the diagnostic phases that come with complex conditions. And unfortunately, many neuron motor diseases are determined by ruling things out, instead of a specific test confirming. Currently, John is working through additional testing to determine if he is in the beginning stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  John is reeling with frustration while navigating his care through the VA, daily grief, and feels unable to move forward without receiving a diagnosis to confirm how he will plan for his future.  John asked for a favor this week - that if he can no longer advocate for himself, if ALS takes his voice, that his friends continue to speak on his behalf and advocate for him.  Well, John, you know we will.   If anyone has any resources to help John, please reach out to share details.  ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Hi, it's Val and Morgan, come along on our journey as we talk about life challenges and insight into living with a disability and or being a caregiver.  We talk about all things related to living and understanding life with a disability, and no topics are off-limits.  In each episode, we will explore the experiences, perspectives, and stories of individuals who have faced and overcome the obstacles imposed by disability. Through candid conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, they shed light on the diverse realities of life with disabilities, dismantling misconceptions and fostering empathy along the way.If you would like to share your story,  give tips and tricks and, have questions or comments about our podcast, please email us at yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Morgan And Valerie
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 You're Not Alone Podcast
  • Show Website
    You're Not Alone Podcast