In this episode of the Six Degrees Closer podcast, host Danny Jensen introduces his 12th guest, Katie McWilliams, a physical therapist who started her own practice, Trailblaze Physical Therapy and Wellness, during the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the interconnectedness of the world through the stories of everyday people and explore the purpose of the podcast.

Katie emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to life throughout the conversation. She shares her experience as a travel physical therapist, working in different settings and gaining diverse experiences, which ultimately helped her build her own practice and become a better physical therapist.

During the episode, Katie discusses the challenges of starting her own practice during the pandemic, including conducting mobile visits and eventually renting space in a gym. She highlights the significance of building her business through word of mouth and specializes in physical therapy for runners and climbers. Recognizing a gap in helping athletes fully return to their activities after an injury, she aims to assist runners and climbers in their recovery process without discharging them too soon.

Drawing from her own experiences in ultra running and rock climbing, Katie shares insights into the mental presence and consistency required to progress in these activities. She explores the unique demands of climbing and the variations in basic exercises for different types of runners and climbers. Her extensive knowledge and personal experiences contribute to her practice's specialization.

Katie also discusses the challenges she faced when transitioning from working 70-hour weeks to being self-employed, emphasizing the importance of finding balance. She advocates for unlearning the hustle culture and taking the time to provide each patient and client with the attention they deserve.

Overall, this episode showcases the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion, whether it involves starting a business, running ultra marathons, or engaging in rock climbing. It underscores the significance of finding balance and understanding one's body to excel in sports and in life.

Episode Timeline:

[00:03:47] Traveling for Physical Therapy
[00:09:45] Climbing as high-level athleticism
[00:10:36] Climbing's unique body awareness
[00:15:02] COVID and PT during pandemic
[00:19:22] Self-employment challenges
[00:20:50] Mental Health in Physical Therapy
[00:24:49] Favorite places in Arizona
[00:27:33] Overworking the body
[00:32:23] Climbing and running similarities
[00:34:35] Mental toughness in sports
[00:37:55] Ultra marathon running
[00:46:01] Internal motivation for ultra running
[00:49:01] Exercise routine and balancing life
[00:51:35] Finding balance in lifestyle