Healthspan Academy

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I spoke with Health Coach & Research Psychologist Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas. We discussed some of the key research and tactics for developing positive life changes. We talked about the prerequisites for making long-term changes for the better and also how to overcome challenges, set-backs, and roadblocks along the way. Kasey also provided her insight on creating the ideal support structure to optimize outcomes.  Kasey has transformed hundreds of lives (and minds) in her coaching career, while also being published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals for her research exploring the relationship between our mindset and our health and fitness behaviors. As a health and fitness coach, she was the Mastermind behind the creation of the Health Mindset Coaching Certification for health & fitness professionals. Dr. Orvidas completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at North Carolina State University where her research focused on health behavior change and mindsets – specifically dwelling on eating and exercise behaviors, body image, and self-regulation. In addition to her graduate training, she is also a certified nutrition coach and owner of KJO Coaching. She is also a writer and member of the scientific review board for Legion Athletics, where she shares her knowledge and passion for all things fitness, nutrition, and psychology. In addition, Dr. Kasey also makes guest appearances sharing her knowledge on numerous health & fitness podcasts. Find out more about Dr. Kasey on her website www.kjocoaching.com and on Instagram @coachkaseyjo. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with CrossFit Games coach James Jowsey. We had a great conversation about programming, injury prevention, and nutrition. James talked about programming for building tissue tolerance and sustainability over the long term. We also talked about helping athletes and clients distinguish between good and bad pain to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk.  Coach James Jowsey is a Sports Coach & Therapist who specializes in human movement for the treatment of injuries and increasing performance. He is the Head Coach of the Trinity Programme in Red Pill Generic and Founder of the JamesJowseyTraining.com and has trained some high level CrossFit Games athletes, including Sam Briggs and Emma McQuaid.  Before beginning his fitness industry career, James was a professional goalkeeper playing in the Manchester United reserve team. Shortly afterward, James started as a personal trainer in 2005, and became fascinated with how all his clients moved differently and got different responses from the same exercises. These practical day to day observations sent James on a path to understand human function alongside a Level 5 Advanced Sports Therapy Diploma.  Coach James found his love of CrossFit in 2006 and began to use his learnings helping CrossFitters to regain lost movement patterns. With over 17 years of experience in the fitness industry and working with athletes at the pinnacle of their sporting career, ranging from CrossFit, English Premier League and Championship football and Premiership rugby players.  He has spent years being invited to travel around Europe to work with CrossFit Games champions, Games competitors, European Regional athletes, and CrossFit gym members. The majority of his work comes from the CrossFit world, but James has also worked with professional MMA fighters and professional footballers, as well as amateur enthusiasts from cycling, triathlon, running, and golf. James' most recent project is the SQUATFit service founded with friend and mentor Phil Mansfield. Find out more about Coach James on his website www.jamesjowseytraining.com and on Instagram @jamesjowseytraining. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Matt Wenning, who is a world class strength athlete and coach. We talked about the key considerations for sustainable strength training for overall health and longevity. Matt outlined the components of his infamous Wenning warmup that has help build world class strength. He talked about the importance of exercise and programming variance to reduce training mileage, wear and tear, and allow for successful training for the long haul. Matt also detailed his philosophy for nutrition, recovery, and the key principles for avoiding injury past the age of 40.  Matt is one of only a handful of people to total over 2,600lbs in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2,665lbs in the 308-lb class, and bench press over 800lbs in a full powerlifting meet. He is a three-time world champion powerlifter who has led over 6,000 troops in strength, conditioning, and wellness for the U.S. Army including Infantry and Ranger Divisions. He graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and a Master's Degree in Biomechanics. Matt was raised in Indiana by a hardworking, middle-class family. His mother was a nurse, and his father was a Marine and truck driver. When he was six years old, Matt was hit by a car going 50 mph, which took a toll on his physical development. After undergoing 12 months of full leg casts and 12 months in a boot, his legs were underdeveloped.  Four years later, Matt discovered lifting. It allowed him to see he was capable of anything, despite what he had gone through during his recovery from injuries. At the age of 13, Matt started lifting in competitions when his father passed away due to cancer. In the beginning, lifting was just a stepping stone to the goal of football. However, it became a much larger path in his life which motivated Matt to further his education and become a strength coach.  Matt has been an adviser for the NFL, an international speaker for the NSCA, as well as a contractor for border patrol, airborne divisions, and the pentagon. He is currently a private strength coach at Ludus Magnus gym in Columbus, Ohio, and a personal trainer to many executives and professionals at Capital Club Athletics. He also works with firefighters, physicians, children with disabilities, and all forms of athletes in the Columbus, Ohio, area.  Find out more about Matt on his website www.wenningstrength.com and on Instagram @realmattwenning.  *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I had a fascinating chat with Dr Dan Karlin about the latest info on the applications of psychedelics for improving cognitive function and mental health. We talked about the most common outcomes, proper dosing, and designing the ideal environment and experience. Dr. Karlin summarized what we currently know about the mechanism and the relation to our neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity. We also talked about future applications and when we could expect some of these psychedelics to come to market.  Dr. Dan Karlin joined MindMed as Chief Medical Officer in February 2021 following MindMed's acquisition of HealthMode, the company he co-founded and led as CEO. He graduated with degrees in Neuroscience and Behavior (BA), and Clinical Informatics (MA), Columbia University; Medicine (MD), University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Dan is Board Certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Clinical Informatics working at the intersection of health and technology in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry on psychiatric drug development, novel instruments, data, and analysis-driven strategies for clinical drug development; and in clinical medicine where he practices psychiatry and addiction medicine, teaches clinical skills and quality improvement, develop novel technologies, and creates tech-enabled care models and practices. Prior to joining HealthMode, he established and led Pfizer's Digital Medicine and Innovation Research Lab's clinical, informatics, and regulatory strategy. He also worked at Pfizer as the Global Clinical Lead for psychiatry clinical compounds. He previously served as Column Health's founder and Chief Medical Officer, a leading technology-enabled psychiatry and addiction practice. Dr. Dan serves as a strategic advisor to several pharmaceutical, biotech, and health technology firms. He is also a founding Advisor to the Digital Biomarkers Journal, the founder and Board Member of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe), and a member of the Critical Path Alzheimer's Disease, MJFF, and Mental Health IT committees at the APA. Currently, he is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. Find out more about Dr. Dan on the MindMed website at www.mindmed.co. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I sat down with CEO of Power Athlete, John Welbourn. John chatted about his journey to becoming a 9 year NFL athlete and CrossFit Games competitor.  We talked about the key principles of strength training to stimulate long-term functional strength and sustained muscle mass. John discussed the most critical habits for developing and maintaining athleticism and function as we age. We also chatted about the concept of metabolic flexibility, its importance, and how it is developed.  John Welbourn is the CEO of Power Athlete and Fuse Move and the creator of the online training phenomena, Johnnie WOD. He is a 9-year veteran of the NFL and was a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2003, the Kansas City Chiefs from 2004-2007, and appeared in 3 NFC Championship games.  In 2008, he played with the New England Patriots until an injury ended his season early with him retiring in 2009. Over the course of his career, John has started over 100 games and has 10 playoff appearances.  John got involved with CrossFit after retiring from the NFL and eventually developed the CrossFit Football program. He has worked with the MLB, NFL, NHL, Olympic athletes, and the Military, and he currently travels the world lecturing on performance and nutrition for Power Athlete. Find out more about John on his website at www.powerathlete.com and on Instagram at @johnwelbourn. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I interviewed Marcus Filly, who has been a leader in the fitness industry for 10+ years. Marcus talked about his journey from sport to med school to become a 6-time CrossFit Games athlete. We chatted about the essential training elements to optimize healthspan and how to prioritize and balance the key habits with a demanding life schedule. Marcus and I also talked about the logistics of programming for sustainability and longevity to keep in peak functional shape for as long as possible.  Marcus is the CEO and Founder of Revival Strength, as well as the creator of the Functional Bodybuilding training method. He is a six-time CrossFit Games competitor (2016 12th fittest) and has 20 years of expertise coaching and structuring individual and group training programs for clients all around the world.  The desire to assist people to live healthier lifestyles inspired Marcus to leave part way through medical school and pursue a career in coaching. After reaching the pinnacle of his competitive career and experiencing burnout and injury, he created the Functional Bodybuilding Method, which combines bodybuilding techniques with functional movements focusing on longevity, strength, and aesthetics to help people look good and move well for as long as possible. Currently, he leads a team of coaches and creates online Functional Bodybuilding training, nutrition, and education programs. He also co-hosts the “Look Good Move Well Podcast”. Find out more about Marcus on his website at www.functional-bodybuilding.com and on Instagram at @marcusfilly. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Stacie Barber, a Physical Therapist and founder of "The Physio Fix" in Phoenix, Arizona. We covered all things physical therapy from her background to her passion for helping people move better and feel better. We talked about the key foundational principles of mobility work as a tool for injury prevention and movement prep. Stacie talked about the key exercises that should be included in a weekly routine, in order to optimize joint function and longevity. We talked about how and when to apply ice, cold therapy, and compression to facilitate recovery. Stacie talked about the use of Olympic lifting as an anti-aging tool, and also the future of the mobility industry.  Dr. Stacie Barber received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Illinois State University in 2011 where she was an NCAA student-athlete, earning several honors in the sport of gymnastics. After undergrad, Stacie went on to become a strength and performance coach, furthering her knowledge of exercise prescription and implementation. With a special interest in sports rehab/prehab, she later pursued her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree which she obtained from Duke University in 2015. By 2017, Dr. Stacie then founded “The Physio Fix”. As a former collegiate gymnast and current Olympic Weightlifter, Dr. Stacie aims to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and sports performance. She has had her fair share of orthopedic injuries/surgeries and understands how detrimental an injury can be for an athlete at any level. She spends a lot of time with patients analyzing their movement patterns, identifying deficits, and improving body mechanics to not only fix the current problem but also prevent future compensations and degeneration. Dr. Stacie enjoys working with the entire spectrum of patients of all ages who participate in a wide range of sports. To assist people to reach their maximum potential, she incorporates strength training, mobility training, and sports performance enhancement into all her treatment plans. In her spare time, Dr. Stacie enjoys quality time at home with her husband and their five dogs who regularly provide “patient support” at her facility. She has competed in Gymnastics, Powerlifting, and Bodybuilding, and is currently pursuing her passion for Olympic Weightlifting. Find out more about Dr. Stacie Barber on her website at www.thephysiofix.com and on Instagram at @thephysiofix. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with CrossFit Games veteran Alex Vigneault. Alex talked about his recipe for success on the field, while balancing being a full-time police officer and father. We chatted about his programming, including improving weaknesses, accessory and mobility work. Alex talked about his approach to finding optimal nutrition to fuel his workout, as well as his mental approach to competitions.  Alex Vigneault is a former hockey player with a passion for sports. While studying as a police officer, the five-time individual CrossFit Games athlete from Quebec started his CrossFit journey in 2013 and made his first regional appearance in 2014 at the Canada East Regional. He made his Games debut in 2015 with an 11th-place finish. He qualified again for the Games in 2016, 2019, and 2021 with two top-ten finishes. He also qualified for this year's CrossFit Games via a 4th place finish at the Atlas Games. Find out more about Alex on his Instagram at @vigneaultalex. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I interviewed CrossFit Games coach, Matt Torres. We talked about all things relevant to getting maximum performance out of an athlete. We talked about setting expectations, programming, improving weakness, and adapting scope throughout the training season. Matt talked about his approach to mentality and recovery, and event-to-event strategy.  Coach Matt Torres is a Jack of all Trades in sports and fitness. Growing up, his passion for sports helped him earn a scholarship to play division one college football at Central Michigan University from 2006-2011. He was a wide receiver at CMU and played with some top-notch athletes, such as Antonio Brown (Steelers), Joe Staley (49ers), Eric Fisher (Chiefs), Frank Zombo (Chiefs), and Jahleel Addae (Chargers). After college, he and his colleague Dario Aviles found CrossFit in Naples and loved everything about it. What began as a motivation for fitness rapidly grew and transformed into a real business as they opened the doors of North Naples CrossFit in 2013. Since 2018, he has worked with Brute Strength, where he has helped several athletes reach their goals of making it to the CrossFit Games, including:  Jason Carroll, Dallin Pepper, Tudor Magda, Emma Cary, Fee Saghafi, James Sprague, and Phil Toon. If you want to find out more about Coach Matt, check out his website at www.northnaplescrossfit.com and on Instagram at @heycoachmatt.    *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy I caught up with CrossFit Games competitor, Alex Gazan. I asked Alex about how she got started in the sport and her road to qualifying for the CrossFit Games. We chatted about her programming, recovery, and nutrition strategy. We also talked about her team of workout partners and coaches and the dynamics that have helped her reach a truly elite level of fitness.  Alex Gazan is a CrossFit Games athlete based in Las Vegas, Nevada who has been competing in the Games since 2018. Alex has grown while under the coaching of Justin Cotler and the Underdogs Athletics. Her best lifts are at a 240lb clean and jerk in a 375lb deadlift and she's just coming off a fourth-place finish at the Granite Games.  Find out more about Alex on her Instagram at @alexgazan_. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Dr. Dan Vitale, who is a chiropractic clinician and longevity expert. Dan was the co-author of my book which is now available electronically. This episode we summarized the main concepts we discussed in the book. We chatted about the Five Pillar Methodology for optimizing mobility and joint function for the long-term. We discussed the key principles of cardiovascular training to maintain a healthy heart as you age. Dan and I detailed the core concepts of building long-term functional strength and muscle mass reserve. We talked about how to develop a nutrition strategy that will allow you to live for as long as possible. We also outlined the key habits for improving mood and preventing cognitive decline. Lastly, we discussed the concept and practical methods of biohacking that help support healthspan extension.  Dr. Dan Vitale graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He has also studied various soft-tissue techniques including Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (ART). He completed his Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) under the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He has also completed his Certificate from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) and completed his Webster Certification during the Perinatal Care course with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr Dan is also a trained Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) provider. Dr. Dan is passionate about seeking out accurate, current information and educating his patients. His focus on exercise and nutrition allows him to develop long-term health plans that address pain management and healthy lifestyles. Find out more about Dr. Dan's work on his website at www.guelphnaturalhealth.ca. You can also check out our book “Optimized: The Roadmap to Living Younger as You Age” here. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Lori Bouchard, who is a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in cancer treatment and prevention. We discussed the key metabolic and nutrition-based factors that contribute to tumor development and metastasis. Dr. Lori outlined the role of the gut-brain axis on controlling the onset of cancer. She also chatted about some of the most promising treatment options that are available beyond traditional chemotherapy, including intravenous vitamin C injection, magnetism, and ozone therapy. We talked about some of the key carcinogenic agents and how to minimize your risk of being impacted by them as well as best practices for stimulating cell autophagy and killing cancer cells.   Dr. Lori Bouchard has dedicated more than a decade to working with patients with cancer. She helps them build a life that enables them to thrive and co-exist with cancer.  A significant portion of her work encompasses changing patients' perspectives on what it means to have cancer, live in a meaningful way, and add health despite simultaneously managing a disease. As a Naturopathic Doctor with a particular focus on cancer health, Dr. Lori is on a mission to help patients understand the real root of cancer and how gut health, genetics, and environmental factors impact tumor growth. She completed her Degree in Health Science at Western University prior to completing her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Lori is the founder of Inside Health Clinic, Ontario's most innovative naturopathic healing centre which aims to help people reverse complicated and often misunderstood conditions such as Lyme, chronic fatigue, Hashimoto's, and infertility while offering a comprehensive range of naturopathic support, welcoming all those who wish to live in optimal health. She is also the author of Amazon's Bestselling Book “Live Longer and Stronger with Breast Cancer”, endorsed by US Presidential candidate and 4 times NY Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson which is a step-by-step guide to help women fight their cancer more effectively. Find out more about Dr. Bouchard on her website at www.drlori.ca and on Instagram at @drloribouchard. You can also get a free copy of her book here. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Emily Splichal, who is podiatrist and foot function specialist. We talked about matching footwear to anatomic specificity, activity, and terrain. Dr. Emily discussed causes and solutions for a range of foot pathologies, including: fallen arches, turf toe, and inflammation. We also chatted about the importance of optimizing hip function as it relates to the foot and a practical method for improving the foot-to-hip chain.  Dr. Emily Splichal is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, a Human Movement Specialist, and a Global Leader in Barefoot Science and Rehabilitation. She is the mind behind the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist®, BarefootRx®, and BARE® Workout Certifications, founder of Naboso Barefoot Technology, and author of Barefoot Strong.  With over 16 years of expertise, Dr. Splichal has dedicated her medical career to studying postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot-to-core integration, and from the ground up training. She is actively involved in barefoot training research and education as it relates to athletic performance, injury prevention, and movement longevity. Sharing her unique approach, she taught 20,000 professionals both nationally and internationally, with her Barefoot Training Specialist® Program in over 35 countries worldwide which led her quickly to become a global leader in barefoot training and rehabilitation. Due to her unique background, she also serves as a consultant and expert for some of the top fitness, footwear, and orthotic companies, including Aetrex Worldwide, Bunion Bootie, Crunch Fitness, Lissom Footwear, NIKE Innovations, PowerPlate USA, RAD Roller, and Trigger Point Performance Therapy.  Find more information about Dr. Splichal and her practice in integrative podiatry medicine, you can visit her website at www.dremilysplichal.com and on Instagram at @dremilydpm.    *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Sebastien Lomas, who is a biological dentist. We discussed some of the key factors in developing the optimal routine for oral health. Dr. Lomas outlined the function of the oral microbiome and the principles of maintaining equilibrium. We chatted about general best practices for oral hygiene, including toothpaste selection, brush selection, oil pulling vs mouthwash, and the best foods for optimizing tooth and gum health.  Dr. Sebastien Lomas, aka “Dr. Seb” is a UK-based qualified dentist that utilizes a whole-body approach to oral care with interest in integrating holistic health with modern dentistry. Having been so anti ‘natural solutions' for his whole life, ironically, natural solutions were the only thing to get him out of his health crisis. As his life journey evolved, he found himself studying Biochemistry at Loughborough University completing it in 2013. His passion for dentistry was eventually actualized when he graduated in 2020 from the University of Central Lancashire.  As a Biological Dentist, Dr. Seb promotes minimally invasive dentistry, educating patients, and always using safe, biocompatible dental materials based on tailored biocompatible blood and genetic testing. He has received advanced mercury removal training following the IAOMT SMART guidelines. With an individualized approach to care instead of the traditional “one size fits all” dental model, he recognizes that every patient is unique and should be treated according to their specific needs. Driven by a strong desire to share his knowledge with others, his goal is to empower people to take back control of their gum health, teeth health, and their health as a whole. He is grounded firmly in helping remove oral interferences and imbalances. Together with his wife Alexandra, Dr. Seb co-founded Wonder of Wellness in 2018 which helps clients manage daily stresses utilizing CPTG Essential Oils and natural goods preserved with Essential Oils resulting in an enhanced immune system and experience increased cellular energy. Currently, he also works as a Biological Dentist in Portman Dental Care. Find out more about Dr. Seb on his website at www.wonderofwellness.co.uk and on Instagram at @biological_dentist.    *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Kirsten Perley, who is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) practitioner. Dr. Perley chatted about some of the underlying research and clinical cases that have demonstrated a wide range of benefits of FSM therapy, including chronic inflammation, pain management, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. We also discussed the utility and efficacy of FSM for self care and biohacking, specifically its use for improved cognitive function. Kirsten also outlined some of the exclusion criteria and limitations of the therapy. Dr. Kirsten Perley started her academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMasters University. She went on to complete a doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine developing a special interest in the impact of trauma and establishing parasympathetic dominance in her patients early on in her career.  It became very clear to her that when one could facilitate change in the nervous system early on in treatment, a massive change could occur.  Kirsten co-taught the Maternal Newborn Care Course at the Canadian College of Naturopathic medicine from 2008 to 2014 given her previous background of being a Labour and Delivery Registered Nurse for fourteen years. Taking a multifaceted approach to Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Perley utilizes the full range of treatment options available to Naturopathic Doctors including botanical medicine, nutritional medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling. In 2018, Dr. Perley started using Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) in her practice as a modality for treating and managing acute and complex chronic pain and to aid in nervous system regulation. Find out more about Dr. Perley on her website at www.drkirstenperleynd.com. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Lynne Knapman, who is a 12-time CrossFit Games Masters competitor. We chatted about how Lynne managed to becoming one of the fittest in the world in her age group with a very limited athletic background prior to discovering CrossFit. Lynne outlined her training regimen, her nutrition strategy, and her keys to staying injury free throughout her athletic career.  Lynne Knapman started her CrossFit journey in her 50s after deciding to support a friend in running a 14km road run. Prior to this, she used to run on the treadmill for three kilometers at nine kilometers an hour. After telling her husband she wanted to run the 14 kilometers, he put her in touch with his trainer, Chad McKay, a former CrossFit Games athlete, who has now been her coach for the past 13 years. Lynne is only athlete to have qualified for every CrossFit Games masters competition since it was introduced and has been the Australian National Champion in her age group several times. She is now a 12-time CrossFit Games athlete, which is the most appearances in the history of the CrossFit Games. She took the 8th place finish in her first year, a career-best finish of second place in 2015 in the Masters 55-59 Division, following it with another podium finish in 2016, when she took third. In 2020, she took first place in the Open Masters 60-64 Division. You can follow Lynne's fitness journey on Instagram @lynne_knapman *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with spine biomechanics mastermind Dr. Stuart McGill. We chatted about the most effective tactics for rehabilitating and preventing back pain and improving performance. Dr. McGill discussed the data and methodology he used to develop the "big 3" as his core recommended pain resolution protocol. We talked about common misconceptions and miscues when it comes to resolving back dysfunction. Dr. McGill also discussed the key aspects of assessing back pain and prescribing the optimal solution based on how the symptoms are being expressed.  Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo, where he taught for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues concerning the etiology of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pain patients, and how to improve injury resilience and performance.  Dr. McGill started his academic career with a bachelor's degree in Health and Performance at the University of Toronto then went on to attain a master's degree in Anthropology and Biomechanics from the University of Ottawa. Later, he completed his PhD in Kinesiology and Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo. During his scientific journey, he mentored 37 graduate students and taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners in professional development and continuing education courses around the world. Furthermore, governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups, celebrities and elite athletes and teams from across the globe frequently seek his counsel.  He has also authored several books on low back disorders and back pain. Over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, multiple textbooks, and numerous international accolades, including the Order of Canada in 2020 for leadership in the field of back pain, have resulted from his efforts. Currently, Dr. McGill continues to serve as Backfitpro Inc.'s Chief Scientific Officer.  Find more about his work through his website at BackFitPro.com. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I was joined by EC Synkowski, the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition LLC. We chatted about the importance of reaching a minimum critical daily dose of fruits and vegetables for optimizing health and performance. We talked about how to determine your ideal protein requirements to suit individual health and functional needs. EC explained her 10 principles of nutrition and how to apply them to improve health and longevity. EC and I also discussed some of the limitations and biases in common educational and research materials to be weary of.  EC has extensive education in the life sciences with a bachelor's degree in Biochemical Engineering, a first MS in environmental sciences (with a focus in genetics), and a second MS in Nutrition & Functional Medicine. She has also trained others since 2000 and holds the Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach (CF-L4) credential. Her professional experience includes working as a Program Manager for CrossFit Inc (2011-2017) authoring their training course materials and serving as a subject matter expert for their certifications. Eventually, after doing her master of science degree in nutrition and functional medicine, Synkowski resigned from CrossFit to become an entrepreneur and nutrition coach, eventually starting her own company in 2018. EC is the developer of the 800-gram challenge, a nutrition protocol that focuses on consuming 800 grams of fruits and vegetables a day. She also spent several years working for CrossFit HQ, designing their nutrition course materials. EC has accumulated more than 600 hours of public speaking teaching fitness and nutrition all over the world. With more than 20 years of experience and academic training, EC translates the evidence-based scientific data into practical solutions for everyday success. To learn more about EC, you can check out her website at OptimizeMeNutrition.com and follow her on Instagram @optimizemenutrition. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Jackson Clark, who is an osteopath for professional athletes. Jackson discussed how his career as an osteopathic practitioner begin and developed. He chatted about some of the principles of osteopathic treatments and how to scale them to practical self care methods. We discussed the rehab, training, prehab continuum and how to successfully transition from injury back to training and performance optimization.  Jackson is an osteopath and strength and conditioning coach who has worked with professional athletes. In 2012, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science from Victoria University in Australia, and in 2014, he earned a Master of Osteopathic Medicine from the same institution. In addition to his osteopathic studies, Jackson graduated from his Masters of Strength and Conditioning degree at Edith Cowan University by 2021. His education process and experience have developed his holistic movement-based approach to the human body incorporating both traditional osteopathic table-based skills and gym-based applications of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to achieve individual health and performance results. His passion for combining hands-on approaches with exercise therapy inspired him to pursue more training in Advanced Myofascial Dry Needling and Electrotherapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise prescription, and Titleist Performance Institute. Throughout his career, he has gained invaluable international experience working at a multidisciplinary clinic in Canada, as well as on tour with professional athletes in the Association of Tennis Professionals and the LPGA. Jackson is an incredibly versatile and well-rounded practitioner at Kinematics Strength + Recovery (K2) due to his extensive experience dealing with the general population, as well as professional athletes. Outside of Kinematics, Jackson is involved in clinical supervision within the osteopathy program at Victoria University and provides ergonomic consultations. Away from work, Jackson enjoys downhill snow skiing, supporting the bombers, and any form of social sport. For more about Jackson, you can visit his profile at Kinematics.com.au and follow him on LinkedIn. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dermatologist and Host of Radiance Revealed Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Haley. We talked about a range of topics related to improving skin appearance and health. Jennifer outlined her recommendations for ideal dosage of sun exposure and red light therapy. We discussed the relationship of skin and gut health and means of improving both. Jennifer also gave her list of supplement recommendations and skin care habits for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance.  Dr. Jennifer Haley is a Board-Certified Dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Biology and Nutrition and went on to pursue a medical career in dermatology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine. Dr. Haley enjoys treating skin holistically by educating her patients on how they can make the right lifestyle choices to optimize their health. While being passionate about the integration of health, skincare, fitness, nutrition, and environmental well-being in her practice, she has also worked as a consultant for several Global Fortune 500 companies, advising, writing, developing educational content, and speaking using her years of experience in medicine focusing on integrating lifestyle in maintaining health and disease prevention.  To find out more about Dr. Haley, you can visit her website at drjenhaley.com and on Instagram @drjenhaley. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Mindset Coach and former co-host of HSA, Kyle Freiburger.  We discussed some of our favourite stories and interviews from the past year. We dug into the archives of episodes discussing key lessons, health habits, and coaching tidbits shared by world-class health experts, medical professionals, scientists, coaches, and athletes. We also chatted about some of our newest interests in the field of longevity, including blood-flow restriction, resonance therapy, and much more. Kyle is mindset coach with Grow2Gold. He helps his clients find a winning mindset to improve their lives. They run multiple group calls per week and discuss the core principles and applications of self-improvement. You can learn more about their programs at grow2gold.com. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Greg Everett, who is a world-renowned coach in the sport of weightlifting. Greg and I discussed the key elements of weightlifting for slowing or reversing the aging process, some of the barriers for getting started, as well as the technical aspects of improving the lifts. We talked about programming, mobility, and injury prevention. Greg also passed on some key golden nuggets from his latest book, Tough, which is a fantastic read for developing a winning mindset and finding greater success in life.  Greg Everett is the owner of Catalyst Athletics, coach of the USA Weightlifting National Champion team Catalyst Athletics and author of the books Olympic Weightlifting and Tough. He is also the director/writer/producer/editor/everything of the documentary American Weightlifting, a co-host of the Weightlifting Life Podcast, and publisher of The Performance Menu journal. As a USA Weightlifting international coach, he has trained over 30 senior national level or higher lifters, including multiple national champions and national record holders. For more about Greg, visit his website at CatalystAthletics.com and follow him on Instagram @catalystathletics. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with 7x Elite CrossFit Games Competitor Kari Pearce. Kari talked about her athletic background and the transition to CrossFit. We chatted about her CrossFit games experience, including her training, diet, recovery, and mindset approach. We also chatted about her post-CrossFit career and her initiatives for helping her clientele find better health and function.  For many years, Kari Pearce has been considered one of the best CrossFit athletes on Earth. She began her athletic career 18 years as a gymnast at the age of 3. She competed for the Michigan Varsity Gymnastics team from 2008 to 2011 where her team won 4 Big Ten Championships. After earning a bachelor's degree in Movement Science at the University of Michigan, she continued to fuel her competitive nature and began exploring CrossFit. Kari competed at the CrossFit Games 7 times, including 5 top 10 finishes. Her top finish was 3rd fittest in the world in 2020. Kari was also crowned as America's Fittest Woman four times in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020.  As a former CrossFit Games Athlete, Kari inspires and encourages her followers by sharing personal experiences in one of the most physically demanding industries. In addition to being an athlete, she has developed her own training program and personal training company called PowerAbs program where she teaches thousands of people how to build a strong core. She is also a nutrition expert and has a strong focus on mental performance. You can find more about Kari at karipearce.com and on Instagram @karipearcecrossfit. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I sat down with entrepreneur and Former Elite Gymnast, Carl Paoli, as we spoke about a range of fitness topics and their impact on longevity. We discussed aesthetic vs functional gymnastics and working through progressions. Carl also detailed his take on emotional fitness as the foundation for developing health and longevity.  Carl Paoli is a Swedish-American Life Teacher who grew up in Spain as an Elite gymnast, where even as a kid, his passion for physical activity led him to delve into action sports such as snowboarding and wakeboarding. It was gymnastics, however, that shaped his discipline for hard work, determination, and now his professional career. Throughout his career, he trained and competed on the national circuit for over fifteen years as an Elite Gymnast and achieved various honors, including a National Gold Medal for Vault. After retiring from gymnastics, Carl graduated with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche specializing in Genetic Engineering and Coral Reef Ecology. Afterward, he pursued a career in Marine Biology. Even though he found work relevant to his studies, his mind was never far from sports and fitness. It was Carl's entrepreneurial spirit that brought him back to the US in 2004 where he pursued his passion for coaching, led him to find CrossFit, and launched GymnasticsWOD in 2010. Together with Jami Tikkanen, he assisted in coaching Annie Thorisdottir to win back-to-back CrossFit Games titles in 2011 and 2012. Carl also became a member of the Ownership Group of STRIKE MVMNT, a footwear and apparel brand where he currently serves as their Global Ambassador. Shortly thereafter, he used his background in gymnastics and fitness to write his New York Times Bestselling book “Free+Style”.  Since the launch of GymnasticsWOD, Carl has virtually and physically coached thousands of athletes around the world through the website and by way of his Freestyle Connection seminars. He is also the founder of Freestyle Connection - a Media and Digital Learning company based in San Francisco, California established in 2012 dedicated to helping people design a life worth living through fitness and personal development. You can check out more about Carl through his website and his bestselling book here. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Dr. Ray Gorman, who is a physical therapist and entrepreneur. We chatted about pain management and the roles of the therapist, coach and athlete in rehabilitation. Ray gave some really insightful info on understanding pain vs soreness. We talked about how and when to prescribe rest and/or active recovery as well as the transition from rehabilitation to regular training.  Dr. Ray Gorman is a physical therapist from Nevada, who has spent the recent years of his career leading countless coaches and has worked on creating an education system on how to take effective measures toward getting athletes and everyday people out of pain and improve their performance and function.  Earning a bachelor's degree in Community Health Science at the University of Nevada and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Touro University Nevada, Dr. Ray draws on his experience as a Physical Therapist where he's worked in the typical day-to-day outpatient clinic and in Division 1 Sports. Over time, he began to understand that to feel true fulfillment it was time to grow. He scaled the impact he had on the world by helping the people who help people. His interests include outpatient orthopedic, inpatient rehabilitation, sports performance, strength and conditioning, athletic performance, and managerial and business management.  You can find more about his work on his website. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, Dr. Joseph Baur and I chatted about his research in the field of aging. We discussed his graduate work on the role of telomeres on the prospect for cell immortality, and his more recent research on the role of NAD on cellular aging. Dr. Baur outlined his breakthrough discovery of a specific gene responsible for the NAD synthesis. He also discussed the role of intermittent fasting and other lifestyle activities that have been linked to slowing or reversing the aging process.  Dr. Joseph Baur is an Associate Professor of Physiology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. He is considered as one of the world's leading NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) researchers who made key contributions to the understanding of how metabolism and dietary factors influence longevity. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas where he studied mechanisms that limit the lifespan of cultured animals.  Moving into Harvard University, Dr. Baur trained as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. David Sinclair where he developed a strong interest in the regulation of aging and metabolisms by sirtuins. Together with his team at The Baur Lab, he currently studies metabolic and signaling pathways by which nutrient intake can influence longevity, with a particular emphasis on NAD and mTOR. He has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including seminar papers in Nature and Science. Findings from his work have been reported by leading news media, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. You can find more about his team's research and work on their Buar Lab website *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Olympic Silver Medalist Laurent Dupreuil. We talked about Laurent's athletics environment growing up, his training and recovery practices, and his nutrition strategy for optimizing performance. Laurent also talked about how he has fine-tuned and improved his training practices over the years to become one of the top skating athletes in the world.  Laurent Dubreuil, the current world champion in the 500m, continues to dominate on the international stage and has become Canada's most successful sprinter in the last decade. He was named the Speed Skating Canada's long track Rising Star in 2011 and received the Jeremy Wotherspoon Award for Male Long Track Athlete of the Year in 2015 and 2021. The son of Canadian long track Olympians Robert Dubreuil and Ariane Loignon, Laurent had early success, running in three World Junior Championships from 2010 to 2012 and winning four medals, including 500m gold in 2012. He finished on the podium five times for Team Quebec in the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. The Lévis native made his World Cup debut during the 2011-2012 season and has since won a remarkable 29 medals. Despite only skating a few times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubreuil finished his 2020-2021 season with four World Cup medals and two podium positions at the World Championships, including gold in the 500m. He became only the second Canadian male to win the 500m world title, following three-time winner Jeremy Wotherspoon. In addition, he made history by winning silver at the 2020 World Sprint Championships, becoming one of only four Canadians to reach the men's podium in the event's 50-year history. You can find more about Laurent Dubreuil on his Instagram @laurent_dubreuil *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Kelly Starrett, who is a world-renowned physical therapist and best-selling author. We talked about the importance of mobility for improving movement, function, and prospective healthspan. We discussed the most critical fundamental concepts of mobility and how to build habits for resolving joint pain, and preventing injuries. Dr. Starrett and I also chatted about some of the most common miscues and underutilized types of mobility exercises. Dr. Kelly Starrett is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a two-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and CrossFit trainer. His 2013 fitness book, Becoming a Supple Leopard, was featured on The New York Times' bestselling sportsbooks list. With his wife Juliet Starrett, he co-founded the fitness website The Ready State, formerly known as the MobilityWOD. Dr. Starrett is one of the world's leaders in developing movement patterns congruent with optimal joint function. His clients include Olympic gold medalists, Tour de France cyclists, world and national record holders in Olympic lifting and powerlifting, CrossFit Games medalists, ballet dancers, and elite military personnel. Since 2013, his fitness career has focused primarily on publishing and continued CrossFit and mobility training. In 2014, he was featured on 60 Minutes Sports for his work on posture and mobility. His work has also appeared on The View, The Joe Rogan Experience, CBS Sports, Outside Magazine, Men's Health, Men's Journal, and several more podcasts, publications, and books. To learn more about Dr. Starrett and his work, you can check him out on his website The Ready State. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Executive Director of Source Medicine, Dr. Leilani van Koten. Leilani chatted about her history as a medical doctor and psychotherapist and how that lead her into the field of resonance therapy. We talked about some of the astounding clinical outcomes she has seen in treating both infectious and chronic disease. Leilani discussed some of the research and development that has gone into developing this practice, including some of the principles of energy transfer and quantum physics.  Dr. Leilani's academic career started with a Medical Degree from Edinburgh University. She practiced for a number of years as a medical doctor and psychotherapist. Over time, Dr. van Koten has progressed from a focus on illness towards more focus on achieving a higher level of health and well-being. With her desire to work consciously with the issue of holistic healing, she met with Peter Chappell, originator of the Source Resonance initiative. The two of them started working together on research and organizational development of Source Medical.  You can find more about Dr. van Koten and her work at Source Medicine. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Jack Farlow, who is making waves as a competitor in the sport of fitness. We talked about Jack's journey from the early days of finding fitness to his first CrossFit Games appearance as a teen in 2019. Jack talked about his training methods, nutrition, recovery, and mindset. We also chatted about how he is able to balance his training schedule and keep up with one of the most challenging and demanding undergraduate programs in the country.  Growing up, Jack Farlow played all kinds of sports including lacrosse, football, soccer, and baseball but had a true passion for hockey. In 2015, he found the competitive side of CrossFit. Within a couple of years, his passion for the sport outgrew his love for hockey. Since then, he has competed globally including the CrossFit Games in 2019 where Jack took home a 6th place finish in the teen division. Jack is currently training to join the world's fittest and qualify for the CrossFit Games as an adult. Earlier this year, Jack was featured in the Morning Chalk Up as one of the Sports Young Guns to watch out for in the 2022 CrossFit Games season. Clearly his future as an athlete is very bright.  You can find more about Jack Farlow on Instagram. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with mental performance specialist, Alex Hodgins. We talked about the practical aspects of cognitive behaviour therapy, dealing with high pressure situations, and the impact of sleep on cognitive performance. Alex described the tools he applies to help his clients find positivity and prepare for success. Alex Hodgins is a Mental Performance Consultant helping athletes and organizations optimize their training performance training. He earned his master's degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2015 where he specialized in leadership and culture development, as well as individual and team performance. He previously worked as the mental performance coach for Canada's Women's Soccer Team, which won bronze in 2016 and gold in 2020 at the Olympic Games. Over the years, he has supported athletes in reaching the podium at prestigious competitions such as the 2015 PanAm Games and the 2016 Olympic Games. Currently, he is the mental health consultant of the Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps. Employing cutting-edge approaches such as biofeedback, mindfulness, and pressure management strategies, Alex's calm temperament, and natural teaching abilities have empowered some of the world's most outstanding athletes to achieve consistent results in the most challenging scenarios. To learn about Alex and his team of mental performance specialists, check out Kambio Performance. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy,  I sat down with 2-time Olympic Pole Vaulter, Anicka Newell, as we chatted about different training regimens in her preparation for the Olympics. Anicka dissected the pole vault movement itself and the specific skill that goes into the jump. We also talked about the key nutrition, recovery and mental strategies in advancing towards peak athletic performance. Getting into the sport, Anicka Newell started pole vaulting at age 16. After graduating from Texas State University in 2016 with a major in Exercise Sports Science, she made her Olympic debut at Rio in the same year finishing second at the Canadian Championships. She set her personal best at 4.65m in June 2017 at a meet at her alumni stadium in San Marcos, Texas, making her the number two Canadian woman all-time. She repeated as the runner-up at the Canadian Championships before making the final in her debut at the World Athletics Championships. In early 2018, Newell finished seventh at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. She went on to win her first national title. In January 2021, she set a new indoor personal best of 4.70m at a meet in Texas. Outdoors, she recorded a season-high 4.60m in May. In her second Olympic appearance at Tokyo 2020, she advanced to the 15-woman finals. Anicka now works as a coach and personal trainer in Elite Sportz SA. Outside of her sport, she enjoys being near the water and wakeboarding. You can find Anicka on Instagram @flygirl93. *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Justin Cotler, who coaches a range of high level athletes, including CrossFit Games Athletes Bethany Shadburne, Danielle Brandon, and podium finisher Kari Pearce. Justin and I talked about programming, health, and injury prevention. He outlined how he helps maximize his athletes' short-term and long-term performance.  Justin Cotler is the Founder, Head Coach, and Head Programmer of Underdogs Athletics and is currently the USAFF (United States Functional Fitness) National Team Head Coach. He is also the owner of CrossFit Dynamix in Queens, New York which has been thriving for more than a decade. He has coached multiple CrossFit Games teams and individuals over the last 10 years. He was also the head coach of the 2x NPGL champion DC Brawlers and was the 2014 Grid League Coach of the Year.  You can learn more about Justin and his coaching services at Underdogs Athletics.  *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

In this week's episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with 7-time CrossFit Games Athlete and 4-time podium finisher Dr. Patrick Vellner. Pat discussed how he balances clinical work, training, and education. We chatted about his journey from a gymnast and lacrosse player to becoming a professional athlete in the sport of CrossFit. Pat outlined his approach to his training, key lessons he's learned over the years, his personal CrossFit Games highlights, and his approach to managing and preventing injuries. Dr. Patrick Vellner earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McGill University and then completed a Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Since 2015, he has been competing in the CrossFit Games, where he has qualified for 7 consecutive years, finishing on the podium four years times, with third-place finishes in 2016 and 2017, and second place finishes in 2018 and 2021. He is current reigning 2nd Fittest Man on Earth. In addition to being one of the fittest people on the planet, Patrick is also a licensed chiropractor. Clinically, he is constantly seeking new innovative tools to help people feel better so they can live healthier for longer. You can follow Pat via Instagram @pvellner *** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.