Start Up Sit Down

In this episode, Alex (@neurofitvr) discusses the transformative power of empathetic listening, his journey of conducting over 100 interviews in the healthcare field, and uncovering the hidden insights in people's speech. By truly understanding not just what was said, but how it was expressed, he discovered patterns and identified a significant gap between patients and professionals. This realization became the cornerstone of Neurofit, allowing him to solve a problem that many weren't even aware of. By listening empathetically, we can unlock opportunities that we may have otherwise missed. Tune in to learn how empathy could help you tap into new ideas and perspectives.

Start Up Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 7 On this episode Alex (@neurofitvr) , sits down with Phil, the OT Professor (@the.ot.professor), a doctor of occupational therapy specializing in high-intensity walking therapy. Inspired by experts in the field, Phil focuses on understanding his patients' goals and identity. He incorporates evidence-based approaches, ensuring patient buy-in before implementing high-intensity training. Phil shares a four-step process to overcome challenges, emphasizing goal setting and addressing obstacles. He highlights the disconnect between evidence and practice in occupational therapy and advises OTs to take a free course and seek mentorship for confidence. Phil envisions a collaborative future with PTs and physicians valuing OT for optimal patient outcomes. Discover the power of high-intensity walking therapy and the benefits of a collaborative healthcare approach. Timestamps: 7:04 Introduction of guest, Phil, and his background in occupational therapy 9:06 Phil's interest in high intensity walking as a part of therapy 13:18 Phil's observations on the effectiveness of high intensity training 14:10 Discussion on the difference between high intensity training and traditional therapy approaches 16:30 The importance of patient buy-in and motivation in high intensity training 18:35 The role of technology in high intensity training 19:58 Additional benefits of high intensity training, including indirect benefits and aerobic intensity 20:35 Phil's process of incorporating high intensity training into patient treatment plans 22:10 Success stories of high intensity walking improving patient conditions through laundry folding task example 27:36 Importance of focusing on patients' goals and addressing limb mobility 28:17 Resources available for implementing high intensity training 28:42 Patients' coping mechanisms and their impact on willingness to participate 32:38 Challenges faced in getting patients to participate in high intensity training and how to overcome them 34:09 Four-step process for introducing high intensity training to patients 34:13 Phil's approach to explaining the evidence behind high intensity training to patients 38:11 Discussion on the adoption of high intensity training in occupational therapy and the battle between traditional interventions and evidence-based practice 40:08 Evidence-based progression through high intensity walking and the disconnect between traditional interventions and evidence-based practice 41:00 The disconnect between high intensity training and traditional interventions 41:28 Imposter syndrome and the need for evidence-based practice in occupational therapy 43:29 Advice for OTs to incorporate high intensity walking into their practice 46:18 Importance of having a mentor in high intensity training 46:51 Resources available for further learning and the future of occupational therapy, including a transdisciplinary approach between PTs and OTs Bonus Offer: As a bonus offer exclusive to our podcast listeners, The OT Professor will provide transfer training where I'll introduce three fundamental principles for easy transfers. During the training, we will focus on a seated transfer utilizing a low bottom scoot technique, applicable to conditions such as stroke, SCI, and lower limb amputation. This technique is not only back-friendly but also requires no lifting. Send a message to @the.ot.professor on Instagram with the code: StartUpSitDown25 for 25% off the course. Research References (mentioned in the episode): Leech, K. A., Roemmich, R. T., Gordon, J., Reisman, D. S., & Cherry-Allen, K. M. (2021). Updates in motor learning: Implications for physical therapist practice and education. Henderson, C. E., Plawecki, A., Lucas, E., Lotter, J. K., Scofield, M., Carbone, A., Jang, J. H., & Hornby, T. (2022). Increasing the amount and intensity of stepping training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation improves locomotor and non-locomotor outcomes.

Start Up Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 6 In this podcast, Alex (@neurofitvr) speaks with Emilia Borland, an occupational therapist and the owner of Higher Standards Training Caregiver Training, about the need for adequate training and support for family and professional caregivers. Emilia discusses how her program sets itself apart from others with its online training course library led by occupational therapists and live trainings and support for caregivers. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are at to be as effective as possible and tailoring the curriculum to individual needs. The program aims to provide safe and effective education to as many people as possible, including both family and non-medical professional caregivers who are enrolled for the entire duration of their employment. Timestamps 0:00:00 Heading: Interview with Emilia Borland, Owner and Founder of Higher Standards Caregiver Training 0:02:47 Exploring the Challenges of Caregiving 0:04:30 Meeting Caregivers Where They Are At 0:10:48 Overview of Safety Education Program for Caregivers 0:13:12 Higher Standards Caregiver Training and WCN University: A Comprehensive Resource for Family Caregivers 0:17:12 Success Stories: Providing Flexible Solutions for Family Caregivers 0:18:47 The Positive Impact of Caregiver Education 0:21:05 Feeding Safety and Aspiration Prevention in Caregiving 0:26:27 Exploring the Future of Caregiver Training 0:28:18 Exploring the Need for Caregiver Training in Texas Bonus Offer: Visit: www.wcnuniversity.com for 50% off (including course bundles) using coupon code: 50offemilia Care organizations who are looking for training programs can get their first month of training from HSCT for 50% off by mentioning "The Startup Sitdown" They can schedule an appointment, take a sample course, and learn how services work by visiting www.hscaregivertraining.com 

Start Up, Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 5 On this episode of Start Up Sit Down, ⁠Alex Theodorou⁠ interviews an occupational therapist who has made a name for themselves on social media through their successful Instagram channel, ⁠WTF is OT⁠. With over 50,000 followers, our guest is passionate about helping patients find joy, meaning, and purpose in their daily lives, having worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds. The guest shares how they discovered their passion for occupational therapy and how they've used social media to educate the public about the profession. The conversation delves into how humor and relatable content can be used to connect with others in the field. Enjoy! Timestamps: 0:00:00 Interview with WTF is OT: Exploring the Unique Journey of an Occupational Therapist and Social Media Influencer 0:02:38 Reflection on Career Transition from Business to Occupational Therapy 0:05:26 Exploring the Need for Increased Occupational Therapy Presence on Social Media 0:07:31 Balancing Serious and Humorous Content in Occupational Therapy Advocacy 0:10:50 Common Challenges Faced by Occupational Therapists and Strategies for Addressing Them 0:14:49 Rewarding Moments in Occupational Therapy 0:17:15 The Transformative Power of Occupational Therapy 0:19:09 Staying Up-to-Date on Best Practices 0:21:12 Conversation on Professional Growth and Building a Brand 0:24:37 Exploring the Journey of Growing an Online Presence from Zero Followers 0:26:24 Exploring the Benefits of Humor in Occupational Therapy 0:31:27 Exploring the Value of Creating Safe Spaces on Social Media 0:32:54 Conversation on Divisiveness and the Future of the WTF is OT channel 0:34:52 Key takeaways and perspectives

Start Up, Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 4 Alex sits down with Anna, founder of Boom Room, which is an online platform that helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by simplifying the process of joining live zoom classes and watching on demand videos. The idea came from the creator's experience spending seven hours a day on Zoom for classes and workouts and recognizing the need for a better scheduling and payment system. Boom Room developed an on-demand library that allows trainers to charge a subscription for live video hosting and streamline the process, eliminating the need for Zoom. Timestamps 0:00:00 Conversation with Anna, Founder and CEO of Boom Room: Exploring the Online Platform for Fitness Professionals 0:02:04 Streamlining the Process of Live Zoom Classes for Trainers 0:03:27 Exploring the Challenges of Online Fitness Training 0:04:45 Conversation with Boom Room Fitness Founder on Building a Tech Platform 0:10:21 Exploring the Need for a New Product Pivot: A Conversation on the Changing Fitness Industry 0:11:59 "The Boom Factor: Supporting Fitness Professionals to Run a Successful Business" 0:13:36 Empowering Fitness Professionals 0:15:03 Supporting the Creator Economy: Building Resources and Tools for Success

Start Up Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 3 In this episode, Alex Theodorou speaks with Annemarie Lankhorst, a physiotherapist originally from the Netherlands and currently working in Sweden. They discuss her background, how she works with patients with neurological disorders, and their shared work with the Neurofit program. They also discuss the differences in social behavior between the two countries and the role of technology in healthcare.

Start Up Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 2 This episode features Brendan Sullivan, founder of Zama Health, a mental health platform for athletes. The idea came from his experience as a college athlete, where he saw teammates struggle without access to resources. Zama Health is partnering with gyms and collegiate programs to integrate clinical services into workout programs. The conversation touches on the importance of finding a mission for a company and the challenges that come with it. Timestamps 0:00:00 Conversation with Brendan Sullivan, Founder of Zama Health 0:02:25 Conversation on Starting a Business with a Family Member 0:03:52 Mental Health and Business Development in a Startup 0:05:40 Zama's Evolution of Product and Target User 0:11:08 The Importance of Mental Health and Wellness for Athletes 0:12:52 Exploring Mental Performance Benefits for Student Athletes with Zama 0:17:41 Exploring the Benefits of Group Support for Athletic Performance 0:19:54 Exploring the Future of Zama 0:21:37 Connecting Athletes with Peer-to-Peer Support

Start Up Sit Down | Season 2, Episode 1 In this episode, Alex Theodorou speaks with Stefan Weiss, the CEO of Straffr. Stefan, who is originally from Germany and now lives in Amsterdam, created the world’s first smart resistance band that connects to phones and provides direct feedback and interactive training experiences. The product was developed to make exercising easier and more accessible to everyone, and despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company was able to bring the product to market. The conversation also touches on the importance of being resilient and the successful Kickstarter campaign they launched to pre-order the product. The team has now launched a new crowdfunding campaign that is open to anyone interested in supporting the company. Timestamps 0:00:00 Conversation with Stefan, Founder and CEO of Straffr 0:02:34 Exploring the Journey of Building a Smart Resistance Band 0:04:17 Challenges of Building a Hardware Product During the COVID-19 Pandemic 0:06:23 Successful Launch of Home Training Product Amidst Pandemic Challenges 0:09:02 Straffr Launches Crowd Investing Campaign to Grow Business and Engage Community 0:11:43 The Journey of a Successful Resistance Band Campaign: Impact Stories and Challenges 0:13:51 Exploring the Role of Professional Athletes in Straffr's Crowd Investing Campaign 0:19:47 Benefits of Interactive Workout Experiences 0:21:55 Exploring the Future of Portable Functional Fitness

In this episode, Alex (@neurofitvr) sits down with Hamza Shaikh, Co-Founder & CEO of Stabl to showcase how they are moving recovery from the clinic to your living room using webcam technology. Find out how they are impacting the millions of people around the world and engaging with their rehabilitation like never before, one rep at a time. 

Alex (@neurofitvr) sits down with Dr. Celest Austin, MD, PhD,  Founder & CEO of GoManda as we discuss all things Autism and how she is transforming learning using a strengths-based approach, as well as the shift from person-centred language to identity first language, and the future of inclusive education experiences. Check it out!