In a heartfelt revelation, actress Jackie Tohn shared the challenges she faced with severe back pain during her visit to the Heal Squad podcast studio hosted by Maria Menounos. Tohn’s account, featured in an exclusive preview for PEOPLE ahead of her September 22 interview, highlights not only her personal struggles but also the unwavering support she received from the Heal Squad team.
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The 46-year-old actress, known for her role in “Nobody Wants This,” described her experience as a “full medical crisis.” A few months before the interview, she had been managing mild back pain, which escalated to a more severe condition while driving to the podcast’s studio. Fearful of disappointing everyone after having prepared herself with hair and makeup, Tohn pressed on despite increasing discomfort. “As I was driving, it was tweaking worse,” she recounted, her anxiety building until she reached a point where she could not exit her vehicle.
Upon arriving, Tohn faced the embarrassment of being unable to get out of her car. Fortunately, the Heal Squad team was quick to respond, rallying around her as she struggled. “Everyone’s just like helping me out of my car. I’m hysterical crying,” she reflected, emphasising the team’s compassion and willingness to aid her during a vulnerable moment.
Instead of proceeding with the scheduled interview, the Heal Squad team dedicated their time to assisting Tohn. She spent several hours at the studio, where, in addition to receiving emotional support, she indulged in wellness treatments. “I got gluten-free, no-sugar-added birthday cake … There were veggies, there were lentils, there were Brussels sprouts,” she described, highlighting the nurturing environment they provided. One unique aspect of her recovery involved lying in a red light tanning bed, which Tohn believed offered her further relaxation.
The turning point in her ordeal came when Menounos contacted a physical therapist, whom she later referred to as a “savant.” Tohn spoke with him over the phone, receiving tailored advice that provided her with immediate relief. He instructed her on specific exercises that involved bending her knee and stretching certain muscles, advice that dramatically changed her situation. “It was the first time I’d felt relief in however many days,” she noted, expressing gratitude for the timely guidance.
Menounos recalled the moment Tohn transitioned from struggling to walk to regaining her composure, recalling the actress’s astonishment. “You went from not being able to get up, to walking and you’re like, ‘You guys are witches,’” she laughed, sharing a light-hearted memory amid the tension of the situation.
Menounos has often emphasised the importance of health and wellbeing within her Heal Squad philosophy. During the interview, she focused on Tohn’s wellbeing, reassuring her that the interview could wait. “Forget the interview. We need to help you!” she told Tohn, making it clear that her health came first.
Despite Tohn’s initial concerns about proceeding with the interview, she was met with an environment that prioritised her recovery. “I was just saying, ‘I’m good enough to do it,’ and you were like, ‘Stop, we’re not doing it today,’” she recalled, highlighting the support she received from the show’s host and the team.
Through her experience, Tohn not only received physical relief but also underscored the significance of community support in times of personal crisis. She expressed her deep appreciation for the Heal Squad team, who she believes played a pivotal role in her recovery. “Oh, I could cry,” Tohn concluded, reflecting on the compassion and dedication shown to her during such a difficult time.
In a world where wellness often takes a backseat to professional commitments, Tohn’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care and the nourishing power of community.