Crackin Backs PodcastIn a world where women follow the same training, nutrition, and recovery advice as men—and still feel off, overtrained, or under-recovered—this episode changes everything you thought you knew.
Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy T. Sims, PhD, a world-renowned exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who has spent over two decades challenging the idea that “women are small men.” Instead, she’s helped pioneer a female-focused science of performance, health, longevity, and hormones.
In this conversation we explore: • What top trackers like HRV and hormones actually mean for women • Why traditional strength programming may be holding women back • The physiology behind stress, adaptation, and burnout unique to women • How hydration, sodium, and recovery shift through the menstrual cycle and menopause • Nutrient timing, macronutrient needs, and performance fueling that truly works
This episode is for women who are successful, driven, and quietly frustrated—you’re not weak, you’re just following the wrong blueprint. If you’ve ever felt like your body wasn’t matching your effort, this episode will help you train, eat, and recover with confidence based on real female physiology.
About Dr. Stacy Sims
Dr. Stacy T. Sims, PhD is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist whose research has transformed how women train and fuel for performance and long-term health. She has directed programs at Stanford University, AUT University, and the University of Waikato focused on female athlete health and performance. Her best-selling books ROAR and Next Level explain how women should match training and nutrition to their physiology—not generic male models. She’s also known for her influential Women Are Not Small Men TEDx talk.
Learn More
Dr. Stacy Sims Official Website: HERE ROAR, Revised Edition Book Info: HERE Stacy Sims YouTube Channel: HERE Next Level Book Info: HERE
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast
Women Aren’t Small Men—But We’re Still Training Them Like They Are- Dr. Stacy SimsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-02-02 | In a world where women follow the same training, nutrition, and recovery advice as men—and still feel off, overtrained, or under-recovered—this episode changes everything you thought you knew.
Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy T. Sims, PhD, a world-renowned exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who has spent over two decades challenging the idea that “women are small men.” Instead, she’s helped pioneer a female-focused science of performance, health, longevity, and hormones.
In this conversation we explore: • What top trackers like HRV and hormones actually mean for women • Why traditional strength programming may be holding women back • The physiology behind stress, adaptation, and burnout unique to women • How hydration, sodium, and recovery shift through the menstrual cycle and menopause • Nutrient timing, macronutrient needs, and performance fueling that truly works
This episode is for women who are successful, driven, and quietly frustrated—you’re not weak, you’re just following the wrong blueprint. If you’ve ever felt like your body wasn’t matching your effort, this episode will help you train, eat, and recover with confidence based on real female physiology.
About Dr. Stacy Sims
Dr. Stacy T. Sims, PhD is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist whose research has transformed how women train and fuel for performance and long-term health. She has directed programs at Stanford University, AUT University, and the University of Waikato focused on female athlete health and performance. Her best-selling books ROAR and Next Level explain how women should match training and nutrition to their physiology—not generic male models. She’s also known for her influential Women Are Not Small Men TEDx talk.
Learn More
Dr. Stacy Sims Official Website: HERE ROAR, Revised Edition Book Info: HERE Stacy Sims YouTube Channel: HERE Next Level Book Info: HERE
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastCan You Bring Intimacy Back to a Sexless Marriage? | Susan BrattonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-25 | When intimacy disappears from a relationship, can you actually get it back?
Susan Bratton says the first step may be understanding why it disappeared in the first place. Health changes, physical limitations and other issues can gradually affect a couple’s sex life—and sometimes rebuilding intimacy means getting back to a healthy baseline before trying to move forward.
In this clip, Susan introduces her Magic Pill Method, a free exercise she created to help couples start identifying what changed, what they miss and what may be standing in the way of reconnecting.
Susan Bratton is an intimacy and sexual wellness expert, author and educator whose work focuses on sexual vitality, relationships and healthy aging.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Want more conversations about longevity, health and human performance? Subscribe to our email list at CrackinBacksPodcast.com for new episodes and expert insights.Is Intimacy the 4th Factor of Longevity? | Susan BrattonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-24 | We talk constantly about sleep, nutrition and movement when it comes to living a longer, healthier life. But are we overlooking another piece of the longevity conversation?
Susan Bratton calls “orgasmic intimacy” the fourth factor of longevity and argues that sexual wellness deserves a place in conversations about healthy aging.
In this clip, she explains why our culture, limited sexual education and a lack of open discussion—even in healthcare—can keep sexual health separate from the rest of our health.
Susan Bratton is an intimacy and sexual wellness expert, author and educator whose work focuses on sexual vitality, relationships and healthy aging.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Want more conversations about longevity, health and human performance? Subscribe to our email list at CrackinBacksPodcast.com for new episodes and expert insights.Youre Training Hard-But Is Your Body Actually Recovering? | Dr. Stacy SimsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-24 | What if your body is warning you that you’re under-recovered, under-fueled, or hormonally struggling—before your performance ever drops?
Dr. Stacy Sims is back on Crackin’ Backs, and this time we go beyond “women are not small men” to answer a more important question:
How can women actually learn to read what their bodies are telling them?
Stacy breaks down the early warning signs many active women overlook—from changes in sleep, menstrual cycles and HRV to iron deficiency, appetite, body temperature, fatigue and recovery.
We also get into why a woman can still be training hard, hitting PRs and looking incredibly fit while her body may already be struggling underneath.
In this conversation, we explore:
• The early signs of under-recovery and overtraining in women • Why your menstrual cycle can act as a vital sign • What HRV may—and may not—be telling female athletes • The connection between iron deficiency and changes in HRV • Why waking up exhausted despite enough sleep matters • How under-fueling and low energy availability affect recovery • Why women may lose normal hunger and thirst signals during heavy training • When to push through a workout—and when to back off • Why your wearable's “recovery score” may not tell the whole story • How strength training supports women and girls across the lifespan • Why female athletes need a different approach to training, recovery and injury prevention • The growing problem of applying male-based research and algorithms to female physiology • How AI could amplify misinformation in women’s health
Stacy also shares a simple morning check-in women can use before blindly following a training plan or fitness watch: How did you wake up? What is your resting heart rate doing? Are you thirsty? How do your muscles feel? What happens after you fuel?
The goal isn't to collect more data.
It's to understand what your body is trying to tell you.
If you’re an active woman, female athlete, coach, parent, trainer or healthcare professional—or simply want to better understand women’s health, hormones, exercise, nutrition and recovery—this conversation is for you.
▶️ Watch to the end, and if conversations like this help you make better decisions about your health, subscribe to Crackin’ Backs. We bring leading experts in physical, mental and nutritional health directly to you every week.
Learn more about Dr. Stacy Sims: Dr. Stacy Sims
Learn more about Collective X: Stacy's new women's health intelligence platform is working to close the female health data gap with vetted, women-specific research and evidence-backed insights.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastWhat Happens to Your Brain During an Orgasm? | Susan BrattonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-22 | What actually happens to your brain during an orgasm?
Intimacy and sexual wellness expert Susan Bratton explains how orgasm affects blood flow, oxygenation, oxytocin and the nervous system—and why she believes those changes may play a role in cognitive function, relaxation and even that post-intimacy burst of creativity.
Susan Bratton is an intimacy and sexual wellness expert, author and educator whose work explores sexual vitality, relationships and healthy aging.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Want more conversations about longevity, health and human performance? Subscribe to our email list at CrackinBacksPodcast.com for new episodes and expert insights.ApoB: Should This Be Part of Your Heart Blood Work? - Dr. Jack WolfsonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-19 | Your standard cholesterol numbers look normal. You’re active, healthy and under 50. Do you still need to know your ApoB?
In this clip, cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson explains why he considers ApoB a useful cardiovascular marker—but cautions against looking at any single number in isolation.
Rather than simply identifying an elevated marker and immediately focusing on lowering it, Dr. Wolfson says his approach is to ask why it’s elevated in the first place and investigate potential underlying factors.
And ApoB is only one part of that investigation. He discusses looking at a much broader range of data, including Lp(a), vitamin K2, omega-3 status, homocysteine and insulin levels, to build a more complete picture of cardiovascular health.
Dr. Wolfson is a cardiologist and author known for his integrative, root-cause approach to heart health, prevention and longevity.
🎙️ Watch the full episode of Crackin’ Backs Podcast for our deeper conversation about ApoB, cholesterol, cardiovascular testing and the role of medications.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and join our email list for new episodes and expert conversations.Does Your Bedtime Affect Your Heart Attack Risk? - Dr. Jack WolfsonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-18 | You may be getting enough sleep—but what time are you going to bed each night?
In this clip, cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson discusses research on sleep-time variability and cardiovascular risk. He explains that people whose bedtimes regularly shift—from 10 p.m. one night to midnight the next, for example—were found in the research he cites to have a substantially higher risk of heart attack compared with people who maintained more consistent sleep schedules.
The takeaway? Heart health may not be just about how many hours you sleep. The consistency of your sleep schedule may matter, too.
Of course, real life can make that difficult. Travel, work schedules, children and night-shift partners can all disrupt a routine. Dr. Wolfson’s point is that understanding the potential risk gives you information you can use when making decisions about your own sleep habits.
Dr. Wolfson is a cardiologist and author known for his integrative approach to cardiovascular health, prevention and longevity.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and join our email list for new episodes and expert conversations.Is Your Sex Life Trying To Tell You Something About Your Health? | Susan BrattonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-18 | What if changes in your sex life aren't simply part of getting older—but could be telling you something about your overall health?
In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, intimacy and sexual wellness expert Susan Bratton joins us for a candid, educational conversation about the surprising connections between sexual health, blood flow, hormones, brain health, relationships, healthy aging and longevity.
Susan makes a provocative case: we pay attention to sleep, nutrition, exercise and recovery as markers of health—but should our intimate health deserve a place in that conversation too?
We explore why changes in erectile function, arousal, sensation and libido may sometimes deserve more attention than simply writing them off as “getting older.” Susan also explains the role she believes blood flow, nitric oxide, hormones and the nervous system can play in maintaining sexual wellness as we age.
But this conversation goes well beyond physiology.
Why do couples who once had a strong connection sometimes become roommates? Why can desire change even when two people still love each other? And can intimacy actually become better—not worse—as we get older?
Susan shares her perspective on:
• Sexual health as a potential window into overall wellness • Blood flow, nitric oxide and sexual function • Libido and changes that occur with aging • Hormones, arousal and the nervous system • Why men and women may experience arousal differently • The relationship between intimacy, connection and longevity • Why couples can gradually lose physical connection • Rebuilding intimacy when you've grown apart • Trust, safety, novelty and long-term relationships • Why communication may matter as much as technique • Maintaining intimacy through midlife and beyond • Sexual wellness as part of a larger healthy-aging strategy
Susan also challenges one of the biggest assumptions surrounding aging:
What if losing intimacy isn't something we simply have to accept?
This episode is frank, funny and occasionally provocative—but underneath it is a serious conversation about human connection, relationships, sexual wellness and what it means to remain healthy and engaged throughout life.
If you're interested in longevity, men's health, women's health, relationships, hormones, cardiovascular health or maintaining intimacy as you age, this is a conversation worth hearing.
▶️ Watch to the end and tell us in the comments: Should sexual health be considered another important marker of overall health?
And if conversations like this help you think differently about your health, subscribe to Crackin’ Backs. Every week we bring experts in physical, mental and nutritional health into conversations designed to help you live, move and feel better.
RESOURCES SUSAN MENTIONS IN THIS EPISODE
Susan Bratton — Official Website
The Magic Pill Method — Susan's free exercise designed to help couples start a conversation about rebuilding intimacy and identifying what may be getting in the way.
Sex Life Bucket List — Susan's downloadable list of ideas designed to help couples bring more novelty, communication and exploration into their relationship.
Longevity Wins — Susan's newsletter focused on longevity, mindset, health and aging.
ProDx Health — The at-home health testing company Susan discusses during the episode.
Educational Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed by guests are their own and should not be considered individualized medical advice. Always discuss changes in sexual function, cardiovascular health, hormones, medications, supplements or medical treatments with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastPeptides Work—But What Don’t We Know Yet? - Dr. Jack WolfsonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-17 | Peptides have exploded in the worlds of biohacking, longevity and recovery. But are we moving faster than the science?
Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson acknowledges that peptides can have real biological effects—and that some people report feeling dramatically better while using them. His hesitation is about what we don’t yet know, particularly when it comes to potential adverse effects and longer-term consequences.
In this clip, Dr. Wolfson explains why he isn’t ruling peptides out completely. For someone who is already eating well, living well and addressing the fundamentals but still isn’t where they want to be—particularly with certain orthopedic concerns—he recognizes why peptides may be appealing.
For now, though, his own approach remains focused on identifying and addressing root causes first, while reserving judgment on the rapidly growing peptide industry.
Dr. Wolfson is a cardiologist and author known for his integrative approach to cardiovascular health, prevention and longevity.
🎙️ Watch the full episode of Crackin’ Backs Podcast for more of our conversation with Dr. Wolfson.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and join our email list for new episodes, expert conversations and updates.Lp(a): The Heart Risk Marker You May Have Never Tested -Dr. Jack WolfsonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-16 | Have you ever had your Lp(a) — lipoprotein(a) — tested? It’s a cardiovascular risk factor that many people may not see on their routine blood work.
In this clip, cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson explains an interesting theory about why Lp(a) may have persisted through human evolution. Because of its role in blood clotting, he discusses how it might once have offered a survival advantage during severe bleeding, trauma or childbirth.
But in modern life, that same clotting tendency may come with a downside. Elevated Lp(a) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making it an important piece of the heart-health conversation—particularly because levels are largely influenced by genetics.
Dr. Wolfson is a cardiologist and author known for his integrative approach to cardiovascular health, prevention and longevity.
🎙️ Watch the full episode of Crackin’ Backs Podcast as we dig into Lp(a), advanced heart testing and what your standard blood work may not be telling you.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and join our email list to get new episodes and expert conversations delivered to you.Your Blood Work Is “Normal”… But Is Your Heart Healthy? - Dr. Jack WolfsonCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-15 | You exercise. You eat well. You feel great. And every year, your routine blood work comes back “normal.” So how confident should you be that your heart is actually healthy?
Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson says healthy eating and regular exercise are two of the most important things you can do for your health—but he cautions that routine blood work alone may not be enough to assess cardiovascular risk.
We’ve all heard stories of seemingly healthy, active people who unexpectedly suffer a heart attack. In this clip, Dr. Wolfson explains why he believes more advanced cardiovascular testing and a broader look at health markers can help identify risks that may not show up during a standard annual physical.
Dr. Wolfson is a cardiologist and author known for his integrative approach to cardiovascular health, prevention and longevity.
🎙️ Watch the full episode of Crackin’ Backs Podcast for a deeper conversation about what your standard labs may be missing.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and join our email list for new episodes, expert conversations and the latest from Crackin’ Backs.Does Timing Matter With Exosomes After an Injury? - Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-12 | When it comes to an acute injury, could the timing of regenerative treatment make a difference?
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross brings his background in neurosurgery, spinal biomechanics, regenerative medicine and longevity to a discussion about one of the most important parts of the healing process: inflammation.
In this clip, Dr. Gross explains why some acute inflammation is necessary to signal healing—but problems can arise when that inflammatory response becomes excessive or doesn’t shut down. He also shares why, in his clinical approach, timing is an important consideration when using regenerative biologics after an acute injury.
🎙️ Hear the full conversation with Dr. Jeff Gross on Crackin’ Backs.
👉 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to watch or listen and sign up for our email list for new episodes, expert insights and more.Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D From the Sun? - Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-11 | Think sunlight alone is giving you enough vitamin D? Dr. Jeff Gross says that’s one piece of health advice he’d eliminate from the internet.
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross brings his background in neurosurgery, spinal biomechanics, regenerative medicine and longevity to a rapid-fire conversation about vitamin D and optimal health.
In this clip, Dr. Gross explains why he believes sunlight alone may not provide adequate vitamin D, why he looks beyond simply avoiding deficiency, and why he prefers vitamin D paired with vitamin K2. He also shares the daily vitamin D amount he commonly recommends to his patients.
🎙️ Hear the full conversation with Dr. Jeff Gross on Crackin’ Backs.
👉 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to watch or listen and sign up for our email list for new episodes, health insights and expert conversations.Is PRP Still Worth It—or Have Exosomes Taken Over? - Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-10 | Is PRP still a good option in regenerative medicine—or has something better come along?
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross explains where PRP still fits in today’s regenerative medicine landscape. With a background in neurosurgery, spinal biomechanics, regenerative medicine and longevity, Dr. Gross now uses less-invasive biologic approaches to help address musculoskeletal and joint concerns.
In this clip, he calls PRP an “entry-level regenerative biologic” that uses components from your own blood and can be a more accessible option, although multiple treatments may be needed. He also explains why, in his practice, he often looks toward exosomes when considering a more advanced regenerative approach.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation with Dr. Jeff Gross on Crackin’ Backs.
👉 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to watch or listen and sign up for our email list for new episodes and expert conversations.“Normal” Blood Work… So Why Are Healthy People Having Heart Attacks?Crackin Backs Podcast2026-09-10 | You exercise. You eat well. You feel great. Your blood work comes back “normal.” So why are seemingly healthy people still having heart attacks?
Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson is back on Crackin’ Backs—and this conversation challenges some of the assumptions many of us have about what it actually means to be heart healthy.
Wolfson argues that a standard cholesterol panel may be only a small part of the cardiovascular picture. His approach looks deeper at markers such as ApoB, Lp(a), inflammation, homocysteine, omega-3 status, metabolic health and other factors when assessing cardiovascular risk.
But that's only where the conversation starts.
We get into some of today's most debated heart-health questions:
Can you have “normal” cholesterol and still be at risk? What do ApoB and Lp(a) actually tell us? Are statins being prescribed too aggressively—or are they saving lives? Does a coronary calcium score of zero really mean you're safe? What does Wolfson think about GLP-1 drugs and their cardiovascular benefits? Could COVID or post-COVID dysautonomia/POTS have lasting cardiovascular implications? Why can someone be lean, athletic and incredibly fit—and still have a heart attack? And what should you actually be testing if your goal isn't simply to avoid disease—but to protect your heart for decades? Wolfson doesn't shy away from controversy. He questions conventional approaches to statins and coronary calcium testing, discusses where he believes mainstream cardiology falls short, and explains why he favors a much broader, root-cause approach to cardiovascular risk.
And one of the most surprising moments has nothing to do with cholesterol:
Could something as simple as when you go to bed affect your heart-attack risk? Wolfson discusses research linking inconsistent sleep timing with cardiovascular risk—and what that might mean for your daily routine.
This isn't about creating fear.
It's about asking a better question:
If you feel healthy today, how do you know your heart actually is?
Watch to the end, then tell us in the comments:
What's the ONE heart-health number or test you think everyone over 40 should know?
👇 Join the conversation.
If you value conversations that challenge conventional thinking about heart health, longevity, nutrition, human performance and preventive medicine, subscribe to Crackin’ Backs. New conversations every week.
And share this episode with the person in your life who says, “I'm healthy—my blood work is normal.”
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastStem Cells vs. Exosomes: Which Is Better? - Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-10 | Are exosomes replacing stem cells?
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross explains why his approach has shifted toward exosomes for many regenerative applications—and where he believes stem cells may still have an advantage.
With a background in neurosurgery, spinal biomechanics, regenerative medicine and longevity, Dr. Gross is exploring newer biologic approaches, including MUSE cells, a subset of stem cells being investigated for their regenerative potential.
In this clip, he breaks down why exosomes may offer advantages in how they travel through tissue, how they’re handled, and their potential applications—and why the choice between stem cells and exosomes isn’t necessarily one-size-fits-all.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation with Dr. Jeff Gross on Crackin’ Backs.
👉 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to watch or listen and sign up for our email list for new episodes and expert conversations.Can Exosomes Help With Lyme Disease & Long COVID? - Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-08 | Can regenerative biologics like exosomes play a role in chronic conditions such as Lyme disease or long COVID?
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross explains that the goal isn’t necessarily to target the underlying pathogen—it’s to address the inflammatory response and support the body while the underlying cause is treated.
Dr. Gross also explains why regenerative medicine is only one piece of the picture, alongside appropriate medical care, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and sleep.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation with Dr. Jeff Gross on Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
👉 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to watch or listen—and sign up for our email list for new episodes, expert insights and more.Your Sleep Score Says 60… But You Feel Great. Who’s Right?- Dr. David HopperCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-05 | Before you reach for your smartwatch in the morning, Dr. David Hopper recommends doing something first: ask yourself how you actually feel.
How did you sleep? Do you feel rested? How does your body feel today?
Then look at the data.
If your wearable gives you a poor sleep score but you feel better than you have in days, Dr. Hopper says that subjective information matters. By checking in with yourself first, you can train yourself to use wearable data as a tool—not as the final authority on how you feel.
Dr. Hopper is a chiropractor, educator, author, and advocate whose work explores body awareness, nervous system regulation, recovery, health technology, and interoception.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
For more conversations on health, performance, longevity, and recovery, visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode.Mouth Taping for Sleep? Here’s What It Actually Does - Dr. David HopperCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-04 | No, mouth taping doesn’t mean sealing your mouth shut “like you’re being taken hostage.” 😄
Dr. David Hopper explains what mouth taping actually involves and why some people use it at night to encourage nasal breathing and proper oral posture. He also discusses alternatives that sit around the lips rather than directly over them for people who aren’t comfortable with traditional mouth tape.
Dr. Hopper is a chiropractor, educator, author, and advocate whose work explores breathing, sleep, body awareness, nervous system regulation, recovery, health technology, and interoception.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
For more conversations on health, performance, longevity, and recovery, visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode.Before You Spend Thousands on Exosomes, Watch This | Dr. Jeff GrossCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-03 | PRP. Stem cells. Now exosomes. Are they the next breakthrough in regenerative medicine—or is the hype getting ahead of the science?
Exosomes are tiny biological messengers involved in cell-to-cell communication, carrying signals such as proteins, lipids and RNA. But as exosome therapy grows in popularity, patients are spending thousands of dollars without always knowing exactly what they're getting.
Neurosurgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Jeff Gross returns to Crackin' Backs to break down the science behind exosomes, stem cells and PRP—and what patients should know before considering treatment.
We get into 50 billion vs. 500 billion exosomes, why 5 mL may tell you almost nothing, product quality and sourcing, timing after injury, PRP vs. stem cells vs. exosomes, joint degeneration, recovery, and where regenerative medicine may be heading next. Gross explains that volume alone doesn't tell you the source, particle count, processing, quality or protein content of a product.
Most importantly:
How do you know if what you're being sold is legitimate?
Gross explains what he believes patients should ask about experience, sourcing, testing, particle counts and the certificate of analysis before spending the money.
If you're interested in exosomes, PRP, stem cells, MUSE, regenerative medicine, longevity, joint health or recovery—this is a conversation you'll want to hear.
👇 Would you know what questions to ask before getting exosomes? Tell us in the comments.
Subscribe to Crackin' Backs for weekly conversations on health, longevity, human performance and emerging medical science.
Know someone considering regenerative medicine? Share this episode with them before they spend the money.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastYou Can’t Optimize Your Health Until You Fix These 2 Things- Dr. David HopperCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-02 | You can improve your nutrition, exercise more, and build better habits—but Dr. David Hopper says two things need to come first: breathing and sleep.
If you’re not breathing well or getting enough quality sleep, he explains, everything else you do for your health can feel like “spinning your wheels.”
Dr. Hopper is a chiropractor, educator, author, and advocate whose work explores body awareness, nervous system regulation, recovery, health technology, and interoception. In his practice, he also uses HRV as an important guide for understanding how the body is responding to stress and recovery.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
For more expert conversations on health, performance, longevity, and recovery, visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode.Would Your 25-Year-Old Self Be Proud of You Today?- Dr.David HopperCrackin Backs Podcast2026-09-01 | What would your 25-year-old self say if they could see your life today?
When Dr. Spencer Baron asks Dr. David Hopper that question, his first answer gets a laugh—but what follows is a thoughtful reflection on education, relationships, and the decisions that shaped the life he has today.
Dr. David Hopper is a chiropractor, educator, author, and advocate whose work explores human performance, body awareness, nervous system regulation, recovery, health technology, and interoception.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
Want more conversations like this? Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com to subscribe and catch our latest episodes.Your Kids Are Watching the Boundaries You Break- Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-29 | If you don’t honor your own boundaries, why should your kids honor theirs?
Children don’t just listen to what we tell them—they watch what we do. And when our actions consistently contradict the rules and expectations we set for them, what are we actually teaching?
Daniel Schuler is an Identity and Emotional Intelligence Coach who helps individuals uncover limiting beliefs, understand the narratives shaping their behavior, and build a stronger sense of identity rooted in purpose and authenticity.
In this clip, Daniel explains how inconsistent boundaries can teach kids an unintended lesson: that authority comes from status rather than behavior and respect. That belief can follow them well beyond childhood, influencing what they pursue and who they believe they need to become.
▶️ Watch the clip and ask yourself: Are you modeling the same boundaries you expect your kids to respect?
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and sign up for our email list so you never miss a new episode.What If the Story You Believe About Yourself Isn’t True? - Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-28 | What if the decisions you make every day are being guided by a story about yourself that was never true in the first place?
We build our identity around who we think we are—and who we believe other people think we are. Over time, those beliefs can influence everything from our relationships and careers to the choices we make about our future.
Daniel Schuler is an Identity and Emotional Intelligence Coach who helps individuals uncover limiting beliefs and false narratives, understand where those beliefs originated, and align their identity with who they truly are and what they want from life.
Daniel uses the powerful analogy of a quilt: we keep cutting out the pieces of our lives that aren’t working and patching them back together, until one day we step back and barely recognize what we’ve created.
The identity, he says, is the thread running through it all.
▶️ Watch the clip and ask yourself: Are you making decisions based on who you really are—or a story you learned to believe about yourself?
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and sign up for our email list so you never miss a new episode.Your Smartwatch Says You’re Healthy. Should You Believe It? | Dr. David HopperCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-28 | Your smartwatch says you slept great—but you feel exhausted. So who’s right: your wearable or your body?
We’re surrounded by sleep scores, readiness scores, HRV, heart rate, recovery data and stress metrics. But Dr. David Hopper says there’s a problem: we may be getting better at reading our devices while getting worse at reading ourselves.
In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, Dr. Hopper joins us to explore how to use wearable technology without becoming controlled—or overwhelmed—by the data.
We get into:
The one wearable metric Dr. Hopper believes deserves the most attention: HRV Why your sleep or recovery score may disagree with how you actually feel What HRV can tell you about stress, recovery, sleep and your autonomic nervous system Why constantly checking health data may actually create more anxiety How to use an Oura Ring, Apple Watch, WHOOP or other wearable to better understand your body instead of replacing your instincts The overlooked roles of breathing and sleep in health and recovery What you might discover if you took your wearable off for an entire week Dr. Hopper explains that HRV can provide useful insight into how the autonomic nervous system is responding to stress and recovery—but emphasizes that wearable data needs context. His approach starts with something remarkably simple: before checking your watch in the morning, ask yourself how you actually feel. Then use the technology to help confirm and understand those signals rather than dictate them.
Because the future of health may not be about collecting more data.
It may be about learning which data matters—and knowing when to trust your own body.
WATCH TO THE END: Dr. Hopper shares the three things he would teach someone to pay attention to if every wearable disappeared tomorrow.
QUESTION FOR YOU: Have you ever felt great—then looked at your watch and suddenly questioned your recovery because of what it told you?
👇 Tell us in the comments.
To learn more about Dr. Hopper, his work, educational resources, and his new book, visit his official website and social media channels. His latest book takes a deeper look at many of the concepts discussed in this episode and offers readers practical ways to reconnect with their bodies while using modern health technology more intelligently.
And if conversations about health, longevity, human performance, recovery and the science behind how your body works are valuable to you, subscribe to Crackin’ Backs and join us each week.
Share this episode with that friend who checks their Oura, Apple Watch or WHOOP before deciding how they feel.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast
Edit This Episode Episode is Scheduled Publish: Aug. 27, 2026 @12AM Edit Custom Transcript is Ready Provided by You • Edit or
Add Chapter Markers Create a Visual Soundbite Mid-Roll Placements Share Link to Episode Direct Link to Audio Embed Audio PlayerParents: Stop Turning Boundaries Into Suggestions - Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-27 | Your child doesn’t need you to be the “cool parent.” They need you to be the parent.
In this clip, Daniel Schuler, an Identity and Emotional Intelligence Coach who helps individuals and organizations break limiting beliefs, strengthen self-awareness, and create lasting change, gets candid about a problem he sees in modern parenting: boundaries that have slowly turned into negotiations.
Daniel isn’t advocating for controlling or dictatorial parenting. He’s talking about being clear about which things are actually negotiable—and which aren’t.
His advice goes beyond parenting, too: “Stop downgrading your boundaries to suggestions, and upgrade your suggestions to boundaries.”
Clear boundaries can establish respect, reduce confusion, and even help heal relationship dynamics.
▶️ Watch the clip and consider: Have your boundaries quietly become suggestions?
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and sign up for our email list so you never miss a new episode.Do People Like You—or the Version You Project? - Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-26 | What if people don’t actually know you—they only know the version of yourself you’ve created for them to see?
Identity and Emotional Intelligence Coach Daniel Schuler explains how easy it is to become trapped by an image we’ve created—especially when we’re afraid that showing our real selves could lead to rejection.
But if people only like the person you seem to be, Daniel asks: are they actually connecting with you at all?
Breaking free from that image can feel risky, but it may also be the first step toward genuine connection, confidence, and authenticity.
▶️ Watch the clip and ask yourself: How much of what you show the world is really you?
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and sign up for our email list so you never miss a new episode.AI Can Be Accurate—But Can It Be Human? - Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-25 | “We don’t need accuracy. We need intimacy.”
AI can give us answers in seconds—but can it truly understand what we’re feeling?
Daniel Schuler, an Identity and Emotional Intelligence Coach, explains why real human interaction creates a “relational glue” that technology may never be able to replicate. When we sit with someone, listen, process, and actually feel their emotions with them, something happens that goes far beyond simply giving the correct answer.
As AI becomes a bigger part of our lives, Daniel asks an important question: Are we gaining convenience at the expense of genuine human connection?
▶️ Watch the clip and tell us: Can AI ever truly replicate human empathy and connection?
🎙️ Watch or listen to the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Visit CrackinBacksPodcast.com and sign up for our email list so you never miss a new episode.Could Hearing Loss Increase Your Risk of Dementia?- Nicolas Reed PhDCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-22 | What if one of the warning signs for future cognitive decline has nothing to do with memory—but with your hearing?
Dr. Nicholas Reed explains how researchers have been looking at the connection between hearing and cognition for decades. Then groundbreaking research brought new attention to the issue, finding that older adults with severe hearing loss were associated with five times the risk of developing dementia over a 16-year period.
That’s a number worth paying attention to.
👉 Watch the clip to hear Dr. Reed explain how the connection between hearing loss and dementia became an important focus in healthy aging research.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation at CrackinBacksPodcast.com.
📩 While you’re there, join our email list for new episodes, expert conversations, and podcast updates.Could Hearing Loss Be Hurting the Medical Care You Receive?Crackin Backs Podcast2026-08-21 | Hearing loss isn’t just about missing parts of a conversation—it may actually change how you interact with the entire healthcare system.
Dr. Nicholas Reed shares research showing that adults with hearing loss have higher healthcare spending, increased hospitalization and readmission rates, and hospital stays averaging 2.5 days longer.
Even more concerning? They may be more likely to delay seeing a doctor when they’re sick.
Why? Dr. Reed points to a major—and often overlooked—possibility: communication between patients and healthcare providers.
👉 Watch the clip to learn why hearing loss may be a significant blind spot in healthcare.
🎙️ Watch the full episode and discover more conversations at CrackinBacksPodcast.com.
📩 Join our email list while you’re there for new episodes, expert insights, and podcast updates.Why You KNOW What to Do—But Still Dont Do It | Daniel SchulerCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-21 | Why Smart People Stay Stuck: The Identity Trap That's Holding You Back | Daniel Schuler
You know you should exercise, eat healthier, spend more time with your family, and stop scrolling social media...
So why don't you?
If knowledge isn't the problem, your identity might be.
In this powerful episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, Identity Coach Daniel Schuler reveals why so many successful people feel lost, struggle with self-sabotage, and never reach their full potential—not because they lack motivation, but because they're living from an outdated identity.
Learn how to discover your purpose, find your "why," build lasting confidence, break limiting beliefs, and stop letting social media define who you are.
In This Episode:
Why smart people stay stuck How identity shapes every decision you make Why motivation fades but identity lasts How social media influences confidence and self-worth Finding your purpose and authentic "why" Building resilient, confident kids Why emotional intelligence is the ultimate human advantage in the age of AI Practical tools for lasting personal growth and transformation
Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, healthcare professional, parent, leader, or simply wondering, "Who am I becoming?" this conversation will challenge the way you think about mindset, success, mental health, leadership, and human potential.
About Daniel Schuler
Daniel Schuler is an Identity Coach and Emotional Intelligence Coach who helps individuals and organizations break through limiting beliefs, align their identity with their goals, and create lasting transformation through purpose-driven living and authentic leadership.
Learn More
Daniel Schuler Consulting: HERE
Subscribe to Crackin' Backs for weekly conversations with world-leading experts in health, longevity, mindset, neuroscience, psychology, human performance, fitness, leadership, nutrition, sports medicine, and personal growth.
If this episode inspired you, Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a Review. Your support helps us bring more conversations that help people think better, live healthier, and perform at their highest level.Can AI Hearing Aids Choose Who You Hear? | Nicholas Reed, PhDCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-20 | Imagine being in a crowded room and your hearing aids actually knowing which voices matter to you—and which background sounds to tune out.
Dr. Nicholas Reed explains how today’s hearing aids are moving far beyond simply making sounds louder. They can focus on speech in front of you, reduce steady background noise, and enhance clarity. Now, AI is taking that technology even further by analyzing the environment and determining which voices are most important to the listener.
Could AI fundamentally change the way we hear in noisy environments? Watch the clip to see where this technology is headed.
About Dr. Nicholas Reed: Dr. Reed is a leading audiologist and hearing researcher whose work focuses on hearing, aging, cognitive health, and the connection between hearing loss and dementia.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation and explore more episodes at CrackinBacksPodcast.com.
📩 While you’re there, join our email list for new episodes, expert conversations, and the latest from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.How Can You Hear Through Your Skull? | Nicolas Reed, PhDCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-19 | How can you hear sound when there’s nothing inside your ears? 🎧
Dr. Nicholas Reed breaks down the fascinating science of bone conduction hearing—how vibrations travel through the skull to bypass the outer and middle ear and stimulate the cochlea directly.
Originally used as a diagnostic tool, this same principle is now behind the bone conduction headphones you see today.
But what exactly is your skull doing that allows your brain to “hear” the sound? Watch as Dr. Reed explains how it works.
About Dr. Nicholas Reed: Dr. Reed is a leading audiologist and hearing researcher studying the connection between hearing, brain health, aging, and dementia.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast.
📩 Join our mailing list at CrackinBacksPodcast.com for new episodes and expert insights.Are AI Hearing Aids About to Change Everything?- Nicolas Reed PhDCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-18 | Dr. Nicholas Reed got an early look at AI-powered hearing aids—and the results amazed him. In background noise so loud he couldn't understand someone just feet away, the technology allowed him to suddenly hear them clearly.
But there's a catch: AI can enhance what we hear, but it still can't replace the brain.
In this clip, Dr. Reed explains the promise—and limitations—of AI hearing technology and what it could mean for the future of hearing and brain health.
About Dr. Nicholas Reed: Dr. Reed is a leading audiologist and hearing researcher studying the connection between hearing, aging, cognitive health, and dementia.
🎙️ Watch the full conversation on the Crackin' Backs Podcast.
📩 Join our mailing list at CrackinBacksPodcast.com for new episodes and expert insights.The Emotions You Don’t Feel May Still Affect You | Nicole SachsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-15 | What happens to the emotions we never fully acknowledge?
In this clip from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, describes what she calls an unconscious “emotional reservoir”—a place where experiences, stress, and old emotional triggers can accumulate beneath the surface.
Nicole uses the example of being bullied as a child, then encountering someone decades later who triggers those same feelings of shame, sadness, or anger. On the surface, we may simply think, “This person is really annoying me.” But underneath, she explains, the emotional response may run much deeper.
Nicole Sachs, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known for her work exploring the relationship between emotional processing, the brain, the nervous system, and chronic symptoms.
▶️ Watch the full episode to hear Nicole explain how unresolved emotions, past experiences, and everyday stress may interact with the nervous system—and why understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can be an important part of breaking chronic patterns.
📩 Visit the Crackin’ Backs Podcast website and join our email list for new episodes and conversations with leading experts in pain science, neuroscience, rehabilitation, longevity, and human performance.Your Pain Isn’t “All in Your Head” | Nicole SachsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-14 | If the brain and nervous system can influence pain, does that mean the pain is “all in your head”? Absolutely not, says Nicole Sachs.
In this clip from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, Nicole addresses one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding mind-body approaches to chronic pain. After more than 25 years in practice, she has worked with people experiencing everything from back, neck, shoulder, and joint pain to IBS, chronic migraines, pelvic pain, skin disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
She’s also especially sensitive to patients—particularly women—who have felt dismissed, unheard, or told they were simply being overly sensitive about their symptoms.
Nicole Sachs, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known for her work exploring the relationship between emotional processing, the brain, the nervous system, and chronic symptoms.
▶️ Watch the full episode to hear Nicole explain how pain can be completely real while the brain and nervous system may still play an important role in how symptoms develop and persist.
📩 For more conversations with experts in pain science, neuroscience, rehabilitation, longevity, and human performance, visit the Crackin’ Backs Podcast website and join our email list so you never miss an episode.Your Hearing Could Be Affecting Your Brain—Years Before You Notice | Dr. Nicholas ReedCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-14 | Can hearing loss increase your risk of dementia? Can you have a normal hearing test but still struggle to understand conversations? These are some of the biggest questions in hearing science—and the answers may change the way you think about brain health, cognitive decline, and longevity.
In this episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, internationally recognized hearing researcher Dr. Nicholas Reed explains the powerful connection between hearing loss, brain health, cognitive load, memory, aging, and dementia prevention. Learn why traditional hearing tests may miss important problems, how the brain—not just the ears—processes sound, and why hearing could become one of the most important vital signs for healthy aging.
You'll discover:
Why people struggle to hear in noisy restaurants despite a normal hearing test The connection between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia How hearing affects memory, attention, and brain function Whether concussions, whiplash, and head injuries can impact hearing Can the brain be trained to hear better? What everyone should know to protect hearing and brain health for life If you're interested in longevity, Alzheimer's prevention, cognitive health, healthy aging, hearing loss, brain optimization, auditory processing, concussion recovery, or evidence-based health, this conversation is for you.
Subscribe to Crackin' Backs for weekly documentary-style conversations with the world's leading experts in longevity, performance, neuroscience, and human health.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastEvery Choice Has a Cost—And That’s Actually Good News | Nicole SachsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-13 | What if accepting that every choice comes with some discomfort could actually make life easier?
In this clip from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, shares a perspective that may initially sound negative: life isn’t simply a choice between what feels good and what feels bad—it’s often a choice between “what hurts and what hurts worse.”
From something as small as eating a donut to something as profound as having children, Nicole explains that nearly every meaningful choice brings both joy and discomfort. Accepting that reality, rather than constantly trying to avoid anything painful, can change the way we respond to fear, stress, and difficult emotions.
Nicole Sachs, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known for her work exploring the relationship between emotional processing, the nervous system, and chronic symptoms.
▶️ Watch the full episode to hear Nicole explain how our emotional patterns, fears, and expectations can influence the nervous system—and why changing our relationship with discomfort may change much more than we realize.
📩 Visit the Crackin’ Backs Podcast website and join our email list for new episodes and conversations with leading experts in pain science, neuroscience, health, longevity, and human performance.Is Fear Keeping Your Pain Chronic? | Nicole SachsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-12 | Why does a headache, stomachache, or flare-up disappear for one person—but become a source of ongoing fear for another?
In this clip from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, explains why she believes the meaning and fear we attach to symptoms can play a powerful role in keeping the nervous system activated. When every sensation becomes something to analyze, dread, or worry will interfere with work, relationships, parenting, or everyday life, that fear can become part of the chronic pain cycle.
Nicole Sachs is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known for her work exploring the connection between emotional processing, the nervous system, and chronic symptoms.
▶️ Watch the full episode to hear Nicole explain how fear, stress, and the nervous system can influence persistent pain—and why changing the way we understand our symptoms may be an important part of breaking the cycle.
📩 Want more conversations like this? Visit the Crackin’ Backs Podcast website and join our email list for new episodes and insights from leading experts in pain science, neuroscience, rehabilitation, longevity, and human performance.Your Brain Thinks You’re in Danger—Here’s What Happens Next | Nicole SachsCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-11 | Your nervous system doesn’t necessarily distinguish between a lion chasing you and the relentless pressures of modern life.
In this clip from the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, chronic pain expert Nicole Sachs, LCSW, explains how ongoing stress—from family conflict and work pressure to financial worries, health fears, and relationships—can signal “danger” to the brain and nervous system. When that threat response stays switched on, Nicole explains, the brain may begin looking for ways to protect us, potentially influencing the symptoms we experience and how we perceive pain.
Nicole Sachs is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known internationally for her work exploring the connection between emotional processing, the nervous system, and chronic symptoms.
▶️ Watch the full episode to hear Nicole explain why chronic symptoms can persist, the role fear can play in the pain cycle, and why understanding the brain-body connection may open a different path toward healing.
📩 Want more conversations with leading experts in pain science, neuroscience, rehabilitation, longevity, and human performance? Visit the Crackin’ Backs Podcast website and join our email list so you never miss a new episode.If Your Body Is Mostly Water...Why Doesnt It Pour Out? | Dr. Jason ArmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-08 | If the human body is mostly water...why doesn't it spill out when you're injured?
It's a question most of us have never thought to ask. In this clip, internationally recognized sports chiropractor, fascia researcher, and educator Dr. Jason Amstutz explains how water is actually bound within your body's tissues, why that matters for movement and recovery, and the surprising role substances like hyaluronic acid play in keeping your tissues healthy.
Watch the full episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast for more science-backed insights into fascia, hydration, recovery, and human performance.Why Walking May Be the Most Underrated Exercise | Dr. Jason ArmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-07 | What if one of the best things you can do for your body is something you're already capable of doing every day?
Walking may seem too simple to make a real difference—but according to internationally recognized sports chiropractor, fascia researcher, and educator Dr. Jason Amstutz, it's one of the body's most important movement patterns. In this clip, he explains how walking supports brain-body coordination, healthy movement, and even discusses the surprising role natural sunlight plays in helping your body function at its best.
Watch the full episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast to learn more about fascia, movement, recovery, and the science behind human performance.What is your Pain Trying to Tell you? | Nicole Sachs | Crackin Backs PodcastCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-07 | Why am I still in pain? It's one of the most searched health questions on the internet. Millions of people live with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, migraines, pelvic pain, IBS, anxiety, and unexplained symptoms despite seeing specialists, trying medications, physical therapy, injections, surgery, and countless other treatments.
In this episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, chronic pain educator and bestselling author Nicole Sachs explores a different question: What if your symptoms aren't simply something to eliminate—but something to understand?
Rather than debating whether pain is "all in your head," this conversation dives into the fascinating relationship between the nervous system, emotional stress, chronic pain, and the body's remarkable ability to communicate through symptoms. Nicole shares why so many people become trapped in cycles of pain, perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear, and nervous system dysregulation—and how learning to listen differently can become part of the healing process.
In This Episode
✔ Why chronic pain often persists even after tissues have healed ✔ How the nervous system influences pain, stress, and recovery ✔ Why your body may be sending signals instead of simply "breaking down" ✔ The surprising connection between emotional stress and physical symptoms ✔ Why people-pleasing and perfectionism frequently accompany chronic illness ✔ What to do when you've "tried everything" and nothing has worked ✔ How Nicole Sachs approaches healing alongside—not instead of—conventional medical care ✔ What gives hope to people living with chronic pain today
Whether you're living with chronic back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, pelvic pain, long-term stress, anxiety, unexplained symptoms, or you're a healthcare professional looking to better understand persistent pain, this episode offers an evidence-informed, compassionate perspective on one of healthcare's most challenging problems.
About Nicole Sachs
Nicole Sachs, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, chronic pain educator, speaker, and bestselling author known internationally for helping people better understand the relationship between the brain, the nervous system, emotional processing, and chronic symptoms. Her work has helped thousands of people explore new approaches to healing while complementing appropriate medical care.
If this episode helps you better understand chronic pain, the nervous system, or mind-body health, subscribe to the Crackin' Backs Podcast for weekly conversations with world-leading experts in pain science, sports medicine, longevity, neuroscience, rehabilitation, nutrition, and human performance.
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastThe Biggest Myth About Fascia...Busted | Dr. Jason ArmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-06 | What if everything you've heard about fascia is incomplete?
Most people think fascia is just the thin tissue surrounding muscles—but according to internationally recognized sports chiropractor, fascia researcher, and educator Dr. Jason Amstutz, that's one of the biggest misconceptions in healthcare. In this clip, he explains why fascia is far more than connective tissue and why understanding it can completely change the way we think about pain, movement, and recovery.
Watch the full episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast for more evidence-based insights into fascia, rehabilitation, and human performance.Can Dehydration Affect Your Balance? | Dr. Jason ArmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-05 | Could being just a little dehydrated affect your brain more than you realize?
Most people associate dehydration with thirst—but could it also affect your balance, coordination, and the way your nervous system communicates? In this clip, internationally recognized sports chiropractor, fascia researcher, and educator Dr. Jason Amstutz explains how hydration influences the body's sensory network and why the majority of information traveling through your nervous system is constantly feeding your brain.
Watch the full episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast to learn more about the science of fascia, movement, hydration, and human performance.Should You Drink Water on an Empty Stomach? | Dr. Jason AmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-04 | Is there actually a right way to hydrate? In this clip, Dr. Jason Amstutz—an internationally recognized sports chiropractor, fascia researcher, and educator who lectures healthcare professionals around the world on human movement and rehabilitation—shares why drinking water on an empty stomach may allow it to move more freely throughout the body's tissues. He also explains how adding food, coffee, or other substances changes the way your body processes hydration. What if one simple change to your hydration routine could make a difference?
Watch the full episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast for more evidence-based insights on fascia, recovery, and human performance.The Truth About Nutrition: Its More Than What You Eat | Dr. Ed SarrafCrackin Backs Podcast2026-08-01 | Is the old saying "you are what you eat" missing something?
In this week's episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" Sarraf, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of the Southern California Integrative Wellness Center. After more than 20 years practicing conventional pediatrics, Dr. Sarraf expanded his training into integrative and functional medicine, combining traditional medical care with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and a personalized approach to health.
In this clip, Dr. Sarraf explains why he believes health is about much more than the food we eat. He shares his functional medicine perspective on absorption, assimilation, detoxification, and why what the body retains may be just as important as what we consume.
▶️ Watch the full episode to learn how nutrition, environment, and lifestyle all work together to influence long-term health and wellness.Vaccines & Individual Risk: An Integrative Pediatricians Perspective | Dr. Ed SarrafCrackin Backs Podcast2026-07-31 | How should parents think about vaccines when every child and every family is different?
In this week's episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" Sarraf, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of the Southern California Integrative Wellness Center. After more than two decades practicing conventional pediatrics, Dr. Sarraf expanded his training into integrative and functional medicine, combining traditional pediatric care with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and personalized approaches to children's health.
In this clip, Dr. Sarraf shares his perspective on vaccine decision-making, individual risk factors, family history, and the importance of informed discussions between parents and healthcare providers. He also discusses how he interprets emerging research while emphasizing that healthcare decisions should be individualized.
▶️ Watch the full episode for a respectful conversation exploring childhood health, preventive care, and how families can make informed decisions in today's complex healthcare environment.Do Foam Rollers, Massage Guns & Stretching Actually Work? Dr. Jason AmstutzCrackin Backs Podcast2026-07-31 | Everything You've Been Told About Fascia Is Wrong? | Dr. Jason Amstutz Explains the Science
Is fascia really the missing link to chronic pain, poor mobility, and athletic performance—or has social media turned it into the most misunderstood tissue in the human body?
Every day, millions of people spend money on foam rollers, massage guns, stretching routines, scraping tools, and "fascia release" techniques. But what does the science actually say? Are these recovery tools helping your body...or are they simply treating symptoms while missing the bigger picture?
In this eye-opening episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, internationally recognized sports chiropractor, educator, and fascia expert Dr. Jason Amstutz challenges many of the beliefs surrounding fascia, movement, pain, recovery, and human performance.
You'll discover why the body may function more as a fluid communication system than a collection of isolated muscles and joints, why so many people continue to feel "tight" despite stretching every day, and how understanding fascia may completely change the way you think about injury prevention, rehabilitation, and movement.
In this episode:
✔ Why fascia is one of the most misunderstood tissues in medicine ✔ The biggest myths about fascia circulating on social media ✔ Do foam rollers, massage guns, scraping, and stretching actually work? ✔ Why your body feels tight—and what's really happening beneath the surface ✔ The relationship between fascia, fluid dynamics, and human movement ✔ Why pain doesn't always originate where you feel it ✔ Recovery strategies that actually deserve your time and money ✔ How elite athletes and healthcare professionals are rethinking movement and rehabilitation
Whether you're an athlete, physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, personal trainer, physician, or someone simply looking for lasting answers to chronic pain, stiffness, mobility, and performance, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you a completely new perspective on how the human body works.
Learn More About Dr. Jason Amstutz
🌐 Learn about Dr. Jason Amstutz, LINK Pro, clinical education, and professional courses: LINK Pro Sport
We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs PodcastIs Constant Screen Time Destroying Kids Ability to Be Bored? | Dr. Ed SarrafCrackin Backs Podcast2026-07-30 | Has constant stimulation replaced one of childhood's greatest teachers—boredom?
In this week's episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" Sarraf, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of the Southern California Integrative Wellness Center. With more than two decades of experience in both conventional and integrative pediatrics, Dr. Sarraf combines traditional medicine with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and holistic care to help children thrive.
In this clip, Dr. Sarraf explains why boredom isn't something to avoid—it's an opportunity for creativity, self-reflection, problem-solving, and developing patience. He also discusses how today's constant stimulation may be contributing to shorter attention spans, difficulty with delayed gratification, and reduced resilience in children.
▶️ Watch the full episode for more insights on parenting, childhood development, and raising healthier, more resilient kids.Are We Raising Kids Who Cant Handle Failure? | Dr. Ed SarrafCrackin Backs Podcast2026-07-29 | Are today's children being protected too much—and could it be affecting their resilience?
In this week's episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Edmond "Dr. Ed" Sarraf, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of the Southern California Integrative Wellness Center. After more than 20 years in conventional pediatrics, Dr. Sarraf expanded his practice into integrative and functional medicine, combining traditional pediatric care with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and holistic approaches to children's health.
In this clip, Dr. Sarraf explores how modern parenting, constant praise, and shielding children from disappointment may unintentionally impact confidence, emotional resilience, and their ability to handle life's inevitable challenges. Could learning to fail actually be one of the most important lessons we teach our kids?
▶️ Watch the full episode for an engaging discussion on childhood health, parenting, resilience, and raising healthier, more adaptable children.