Podcast Summary: The MSing Link – Episode 249

Title: "Spilling the Tea: My Interview on the Messy Podcast with Christina Applegate & Jamie-Lynn Sigler"
Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley, PT, DPT, MSCS
Release Date: September 10, 2025
Length: ~24 minutes

Episode Overview

In this unique solo episode, Dr. Gretchen Hawley recaps her recent guest appearance on the "Messy Podcast," hosted by Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Responding to overwhelming curiosity from her own listeners, family, and friends, Gretchen "spills the tea" on how the invitation came about, what the experience was like, behind-the-scenes moments, and key themes from the podcast recording—particularly around mobility, mindset, and the realities of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Backstory: How the Invitation Happened

• The Initial DM (03:15): Dr. Hawley received an unexpected message from the Messy Podcast’s Instagram asking her to be a guest. She shares her genuine excitement, recalling how she had been a fan even before the show officially launched due to her earlier professional connection with Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
• Family Reaction (04:00): Gretchen was with family when she received the message and describes their excitement (except her dad, who “isn't super tech savvy”).
• Producer Coordination (05:00): Communication with podcast producer Allison was smooth and swift, and a recording was scheduled two weeks later.

2. Previous Connection with the Hosts

• Work with Jamie-Lynn (07:05): Gretchen first met Jamie during a memorable in-person session—organized as a Christmas gift—which included braving a severe winter storm. They continued working together virtually thereafter.
• Near Misses with Christina (09:55): Dr. Hawley had never met Christina Applegate before but had overlapping brand collaborations, namely the Neowalk walking stick program.

3. Pre-Interview Nerves and Expectations

• Nervous Energy (10:45): Although she typically isn’t anxious before podcasts, Gretchen felt her heart “racing” before this one, likening it to taking the stage at a major event.
• Unscripted Approach (11:10): No advance questions were shared; Gretchen respected the Messy Podcast’s conversational style and prepared herself for a range of topics, from physical therapy tips to personal stories.

4. What Did She Wear?

• Wardrobe Thoughts (14:18): Opted for a casual t-shirt and jeans to convey a “let’s chat as friends” vibe rather than donning her business-logo attire.
  • Quote (14:19): “I didn't want to be visually seen as the expert... I wanted it to feel like a conversation, a relatable conversation.”

5. Conversation Themes During the Podcast

• Physical Therapy & MS-Specific Exercises (14:50): They discussed mobility, exercise, and tangible strategies for MS, including red light therapy and exercises for sensory symptoms.
• Mindset & Goal Setting (15:30): Mindset—especially the "gap and the gain," progress tracking, and viewing goals—became a standout discussion that resonated with listeners.
  • Quote (15:35): “The conversation that we had around mindset... how we view our progress, that part is what made the biggest impact.”
• Relatability and Broad Application (16:15): Gretchen was mindful that not all listeners have the same MS experiences, or may have other chronic illnesses; she aimed to make her advice broadly applicable.

6. Behind-the-Scenes Details

• Casual Pre-Show Interactions (17:00): There was little small talk before or after; the hosts were immediately warm and familiar. Christina Applegate greeted her as if they were already friends, which pleasantly surprised Gretchen.
  • Quote (17:30): “Christina just kind of immediately jumped in as if we were already friends... That was really cool to hear that she knows me on that level.”
• Authenticity of the Hosts (18:00): Jamie and Christina act just as real and kind off the air as they do on their podcast—a trait Gretchen admires.

7. Opportunities to Work with Gretchen

• Group Coaching Info (18:50): One-on-one coaching is no longer available, but small group coaching (usually 6-7 participants) is. There’s a wait list and high demand.

8. Overall Reflections

• Quote (20:35): “Overall, I will just say it was such an amazing experience. Jamie and Christina are so nice... I felt so welcomed and the nerves... dissipated.”
• The podcast made Gretchen feel seen and valued both as a professional and person—leading to meaningful new connections with listeners.
• She praises the Messy Podcast for its real, encouraging conversation style and fostering a sense of belonging for people with MS.
  • Quote (22:40): “At the end of the day, what their podcast does brilliantly is help people with MS feel less alone and less crazy for different symptoms—especially when their doctors might not be validating those symptoms. And I'm so grateful that their podcast exists.”

9. Inviting the Hosts Back

• Gretchen has since invited Jamie-Lynn and Christina to be guests on The MSing Link and is hopeful for the crossover.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Curbing Cognitive Overload in Her Own Work Setup:
  • (02:10) “I tend to think very deeply about how everything that I do affects people with MS... even just the visual clutter of my old mic stand—if even that helps, I’ll change it. And it looks so much cleaner now!”
• On Mindset Resonating with Listeners:
  • (15:35) “The conversation that we had around mindset and goal setting and how we view our progress—that part is what made the biggest impact.”
• On Christina’s Warmth:
  • (17:30) “It took me aback... Christina just kind of immediately jumped in as if we were already friends... it just really took me aback that Christina really acted as if we're already friends.”
• On Being a Guest Again:
  • (22:25) “I would absolutely be on their podcast again. I love that, as I said earlier, they just keep things so real and raw... it's such important conversations to have.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:15 – How the podcast invitation happened
• 07:05 – Meeting and working with Jamie-Lynn Sigler
• 10:45 – Pre-interview nerves and uncertainty
• 14:18 – Choosing a casual podcast outfit
• 14:50 – PT strategies and exercises for MS
• 15:30 – Discussion of mindset, goal setting, and progress
• 17:00 – Pre-show interaction with Christina and Jamie
• 18:50 – Details on Gretchen’s current coaching programs
• 20:35 – Overall reflections and impact
• 22:40 – Praise for the Messy Podcast and community impact

Final Thoughts

Dr. Gretchen Hawley’s recap offers both heartfelt gratitude and practical perspective. Her behind-the-scenes insights demonstrate the warmth and importance of authentic connection within the MS community. From tangible exercise tips and research explanation to deeply personal anecdotes about overcoming nerves and embracing casual authenticity, listeners are left with a clear message: support, understanding, and expert guidance can make a meaningful difference for those with chronic illnesses—including, and especially, MS.

For more resources or to join her small group coaching, links are available as mentioned in the episode show notes.