The Barbell Therapy & Performance Podcast

Dr. Brett Scott talks with Dr. Lisa Lewis about psychology of training, motivational interviewing, and setting boundaries to stay energized as a coach.TakeawaysTrainers often lack training in communication and psychology.Understanding client limitations is crucial for effective coaching.Motivational interviewing helps clients open up about their challenges.Heart rate variability can provide insights into emotional well-being.Competing demands can hinder clients' fitness goals.The stages of change model is essential for guiding clients.Internal motivation is more sustainable than external rewards.Trainers should align fitness goals with clients' personal values.Clients need encouragement during the action stage of change.Relapse is a common part of the behavior change process. Intrinsic motivation is the highest level of motivation.Gamification can make fitness routines more enjoyable.Coaches need to understand individual client preferences.Self-sabotage is a common barrier to fitness success.Honesty in coaching fosters better client relationships.Resistance and negativity are natural in the coaching process.Burnout is prevalent in the fitness industry.Irritability can be a sign of burnout.Self-care is crucial for fitness professionals.Setting boundaries with clients is essential for sustainability.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Motivation and Psychology in Fitness03:10- Identifying Gaps in Fitness Training06:00- Understanding Client Limitations and Communication08:52- The Role of Motivational Interviewing11:53- Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Well-being15:08- Competing Demands in Client Goals17:54- Stages of Change in Client Progress21:03- Motivation: Internal vs. External24:01- Developing Internal Motivation28:21- The Power of Intrinsic Motivation29:21- Gamification in Fitness: Making Exercise Fun32:10- Understanding Client Barriers to Success34:43- The Role of Honesty in Coaching Relationships40:16- Navigating Resistance and Negativity in Coaching44:35- Preventing Burnout in Fitness Professionals

Dr. Brett Scott sits down in-person with Dr. Keith Rode to break down shockwave therapy—how it “unsticks” chronic pain, speeds acute injury recovery, and why it’s changing what’s possible in rehab.TakeawaysShockwave therapy can help patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.The technology can significantly reduce recovery time for acute injuries.Shockwave therapy stimulates a healthy inflammatory response to promote healing.It has a high success rate for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.EMTT is a newer technology that complements shockwave therapy.Both shockwave and EMTT can enhance athletic performance and recovery.The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is supported by a growing body of research.There is a need for regulation in the use of shockwave therapy devices.The technology is non-invasive with minimal side effects.Shockwave therapy is being explored for various conditions beyond musculoskeletal issues. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy relies on proper application and understanding.Many practitioners misuse shockwave therapy, leading to poor patient outcomes.Real-life patient transformations showcase the potential of shockwave therapy.Education and training are crucial for practitioners using shockwave technology.Shockwave therapy can help patients avoid surgeries and improve their quality of life.The technology has revolutionized Brett's practice and patient care.Proper technique and knowledge of the technology are essential for success.Patients often experience significant improvements in strength and mobility after treatment.The future of shockwave therapy looks promising for various medical conditions.Brett has helped over 300 patients avoid surgery through shockwave therapy.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Shockwave Therapy and Its Origins07:13- Mechanisms and Benefits of Shockwave Therapy14:54- Applications and Effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy22:20- Emerging Technologies: EMTT and Its Synergy with Shockwave30:04- The Future of Shockwave Therapy and Its Regulation35:31- Understanding Shockwave Therapy's Effectiveness41:44- Real-Life Transformations with Shockwave Therapy47:58- The Importance of Proper Application and Technique54:19- The Future of Shockwave Therapy and Its Applications

A raw, science-backed conversation on advanced maternal age, fertility myths, and why women deserve better information—not fear—when deciding if and when to have kids.Takeaways:Dr. Danielle Day reflects on her journey to motherhood at 47.She emphasizes the importance of health and wellness in advanced maternal age.Fertility challenges are common for women over 40, despite being healthy.Misconceptions about risks associated with age in pregnancy persist.Healthcare protocols often treat older mothers as high-risk without considering individual health.Fitness and nutrition play a crucial role in pregnancy and postpartum recovery.Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for older mothers.Community support is vital for older parents navigating parenthood.The term 'geriatric pregnancy' is outdated and misleading.Having children later in life can lead to increased motivation for self-care and longevity. Family building is evolving with different lenses.Biology does not define family; community does.Choosing the donor path can be a practical decision.Understanding the donor egg process is crucial.Genetic testing can provide insights but is not foolproof.Age significantly impacts fertility and reproductive options.Exercise plays a vital role in fertility and pregnancy health.Nutrition is often overlooked in prenatal care.Strength training is essential for long-term health.Maintaining personal goals is important for mothers.Chapters:00:00- Introduction to Geriatric Pregnancy02:49- Personal Journey: From Reluctance to Parenthood06:01- Health and Wellness Considerations09:14- Understanding Fertility and Age12:07- The Impact of Lifestyle on Fertility15:00- Navigating Medical Protocols and Guidelines18:12- Women's Health and Fertility Issues20:56- The Role of Healthcare Providers24:04- Expectations vs. Reality in IVF27:08- Conclusion and Final Thoughts35:25- Embracing Fitness During Pregnancy38:11- The Postpartum Journey: Recovery and Realities40:33- Breastfeeding Challenges and Expectations46:02- Advanced Maternal Age: Myths and Realities54:20- Navigating Donor Conception: A Personal Journey01:01:16- The Importance of Communication in Family Dynamics01:04:15- Understanding Egg Freezing and IVF Processes01:10:51- Understanding IVF and Egg Donation01:15:36- Genetic Testing and Pregnancy Risks01:16:05- The Role of Exercise in Fertility01:19:18- Gestational Diabetes and Long-term Health01:22:03- The Impact of Age and Lifestyle on Pregnancy01:26:01- Nutrition and Healthcare Gaps01:30:16- Personal Health and Pregnancy Experiences01:35:55- Empowerment Through Strength Training01:39:13- Innovations in Breastfeeding Solutions01:42:55- Mindset and Personal Growth

Dr. Brett Scott welcomes Dr. Ryan Chow of Reload Physical Therapy NYC to the Barbell Therapy Podcast to dive into modern rehab, stress and pain, and why smart training plus sustainable cardio is the real key to long-term health.Takeaways:Physical therapy should blend training and rehabilitation.Individualized treatment plans are crucial for effective recovery.Stress significantly impacts pain and recovery outcomes.Understanding patient beliefs can enhance treatment effectiveness.Nutrition plays a vital role in athletic performance and recovery.Zone 2 training is essential for overall health and recovery.Physical therapists often act as primary care providers for patients.The medical system can be challenging for patients to navigate.Pain management requires a nuanced understanding of individual experiences.Building trust with patients is essential for effective treatment.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Physical Therapy and Coaching02:16- The Journey from Trainer to Physical Therapist05:23- Challenges in Traditional Physical Therapy10:50- Understanding Patient Stories and Individual Needs13:37- Testing Beliefs and Theories in Rehabilitation18:01- The Connection Between Stress and Pain20:26- Statistics on Pain and Recovery25:26- The Role of Physical Therapists in Patient Care30:20- Navigating the Healthcare System35:04- The Importance of Listening and Understanding Patients39:27- Efficiency in Rehabilitation and Patient Care39:56- Understanding Patient Perspectives42:01- The Importance of Zone Two Cardio44:51- The Evolution of Cardio Training48:58- Personal Experiences with Cardio and Strength Training51:50- The Psychology of Running and Pain Management58:01- Differentiating Helpful and Hurtful Pain01:00:52- Managing High-Volume Training01:05:04- The Complexity of Health and Fitness01:09:01- The Multi-Dimensional Approach to Health

Dr. Brett Scott and PCOS dietitian Caitlin Johnson dive into the root causes of PCOS, its links to insulin resistance, fertility struggles, weight changes, stress, birth control, and training, plus practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies to help women manage symptoms and get pregnant.TakeawaysPCOS is increasingly recognized as a common condition affecting women.Diagnosis of PCOS often involves irregular cycles and signs of hyperandrogenism.Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute significantly to the development of PCOS.Stress management is crucial for women with PCOS due to its impact on insulin resistance.Nutrition plays a vital role in managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall health.Exercise, particularly strength training, is beneficial for women with PCOS.Women with PCOS often face challenges in the healthcare system regarding diagnosis and treatment.Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCOS and can be managed through lifestyle changes.Functional medicine approaches can provide more comprehensive care for PCOS patients.Awareness and advocacy are essential for women seeking help for PCOS. There are five days in a woman's cycle she can get pregnant.Understanding cycle literacy is crucial for women with PCOS.High protein intake helps balance blood sugar and metabolism.Tracking food intake can help manage PCOS symptoms effectively.Starting the day with savory foods can reduce sweet cravings.Keto and intermittent fasting can improve insulin resistance but may not be sustainable for everyone.Sustainability in dieting is key to long-term success.Fasting can have health benefits but should be approached carefully.Birth control can help manage PCOS symptoms but has risks that need to be discussed.Women should be informed about the long-term effects of birth control.Chapters00:00- Introduction to PCOS and Its Growing Awareness01:33- Understanding PCOS: Diagnosis and Symptoms05:15- The Complexity of PCOS: Genetics and Lifestyle Factors10:36- PCOS and Endometriosis: Exploring the Connection13:28- The Prevalence of PCOS: Causes and Contributing Factors18:29- Managing PCOS: The Role of Stress and Lifestyle Choices24:29- Nutrition and Exercise: Finding the Right Balance31:55- Advocating for Better Healthcare: Navigating the Medical System34:22- Understanding Hormonal Imbalances and Diagnostics39:00- The Importance of Comprehensive Lab Work47:40- Addressing Insulin Resistance: Strategies and Solutions55:24- Dietary Approaches to Manage PCOS and Insulin Resistance01:01:59- Keto and Intermittent Fasting: Pros and Cons for PCOS01:11:25- Gradual Changes for Sustainable Health01:12:20- Understanding Fasting and Its Benefits01:14:31- Cultural Perspectives on Fasting01:19:32- The Role of Birth Control in PCOS Management01:26:35- Informed Consent and Alternatives to Birth Control01:31:14- The Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Women's Health01:34:33- Caffeine and Its Effects on Anxiety and Fertility

Dr. Brett Scott joins Lauren Decretico to expose what’s broken in traditional healthcare and how functional medicine, mindset, and lifestyle changes can help you take control of your health.Takeaways:Brett's journey in healthcare was influenced by personal health struggles.Functional medicine offers alternative solutions to traditional healthcare.Lifestyle changes, especially regarding gut health, can significantly impact well-being.Exercise is crucial for health, yet often overlooked by traditional doctors.Understanding the difference between structure and function is vital in treatment.Patients should advocate for themselves in healthcare settings.Financial investment in health can prevent future medical costs.Therapy should be tailored to individual needs and not just a one-size-fits-all approach.There are many misconceptions in healthcare that need to be addressed.The future of healthcare is leaning towards more holistic and alternative methods.Chapters:00:00- Introduction to Health Optimization01:15- Brett's Journey in Healthcare04:51- Lifestyle Changes and Personal Growth08:32- The Role of Personal Experience in Treatment11:52- Understanding Structure vs. Function in Healthcare15:57- The Importance of Time in Patient Care17:51- Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare20:14- Exploring Alternative Treatments23:39- The Financial Aspect of Health Investments31:33- Navigating Nutritional Choices42:15- The Importance of Listening in Healthcare44:56- Exploring Alternatives to Surgery46:11- Understanding Healthcare Costs and Insurance49:46- The Role of Preventative Care in Health53:06- The Evolution of Therapy and Mental Health01:00:53- Integrating Therapy with Practical Life Skills

Dr. Brett Scott talks with vestibular & neuroclinical specialist and professor Dr. Naseem Chatiwala about concussion myths, why head impact isn’t required, early active recovery, cervical–vestibular links, HRV/Buffalo testing, red flags for parents, and dose-wise strategies for a safer return to school and sport.Takeaways:Concussions can occur without direct head contact.Active management is crucial for lingering concussion symptoms.Early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes.Neck stability is essential for effective vestibular therapy.Concussions can lead to a variety of symptoms beyond headaches.Parents should monitor children closely after any head trauma.Nutrition plays a vital role in brain recovery post-concussion.Quality of life can improve significantly with targeted therapy.Understanding the dosage of activity is key in recovery.The vestibular and visual systems are closely linked in concussion management.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Concussions and Their Management02:27- Understanding Concussion Symptoms and Recovery05:00- The Myths of Concussions07:56- Active Recovery and Symptom Management10:35- The Role of Neck Health in Concussion Recovery12:23- Vestibular and Visual System Interactions16:33- Long-term Effects of Concussions20:38- Signs for Medical Attention Post-Concussion23:52- Modern Approaches to Concussion Management27:18- Understanding Concussions and Their Impact30:37- Complex Symptoms of Concussions33:24- Heart Rate Variability and Concussion Recovery38:54- The Importance of Dosage in Recovery44:09- Quality of Life and Long-term Recovery47:09- Nutrition's Role in Concussion Recovery

Dr. Brett Scott talks with Tony Gentilcore on keeping training simple, smart, and sustainable with barbells, psychology, and practical coaching.Takeaways:Simplicity in training can lead to success.Barbells and dumbbells are effective tools for strength training.Understanding pain and movement is crucial for trainers.Experience plays a significant role in coaching effectiveness.Motivation is key to client success in fitness.Clients appreciate autonomy and choice in their training.Navigating pain and injury requires a thoughtful approach.Saying 'I don't know' can build trust with clients.Coaches should focus on the holistic well-being of clients.Work-life balance is essential for long-term success in coaching.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Strength Training and Coaching02:55- The Evolution of Tony's Training Facility06:05- Simplicity in Training: The Power of Basic Equipment09:07- Understanding Deadlifting Techniques and Back Safety12:00- The Nuances of Pain and Movement in Training17:53- Modifying Training for Pain Management23:58- Teaching Clients to Self-Load and Understand Their Bodies36:22- Understanding Client Motivation and RPE41:45- The Role of Autonomy in Training48:06- The Importance of Listening and Communication56:06- Navigating Client Frustrations and Expectations59:51- The Power of Saying 'I Don't Know'

Dr. Brett Scott sits down with Dr. Frank Benedetto to unpack broken healthcare incentives and cash-vs-insurance realities, nocebo/placebo language, habits-first care (zone 2, VO₂max, strength), CGMs and fasting, shockwave misconceptions, and how his Honey Badgers incubator helps clinicians build mission-driven practices.Takeaways:Frank's journey from PT to healthcare innovator.The broken incentives in the healthcare system.Chronic illness is profitable for the healthcare system.Education in PT schools often lacks practical application.Habits are crucial for managing chronic diseases.Identity statements can hinder patient recovery.Surgeons often have inflated self-perceptions.Communication skills are lacking in healthcare education.The placebo effect can be a powerful tool in treatment.Continuous care is essential for long-term health.Preventative measures can reduce chronic disease risk.Biohacking trends can distract from fundamental health practices.Nutrition advice is often conflicting and confusing.Fasting has potential health benefits.Continuous glucose monitoring can provide valuable insights.Emotional eating is a significant issue in America.The healthcare insurance model needs disruption.Niche practices can better serve specific patient needs.Chapters00:00- Introduction to Healthcare Innovation02:55- The Cash vs. Insurance Dilemma06:09- The Broken Healthcare System09:07- Education and Training in Healthcare12:08- The Role of Identity in Health14:56- Communication and the Placebo Effect17:51- Surgeons and Patient Perception21:04- The Importance of Positive Reinforcement23:51- Innovation in Treatment Approaches29:30- Reimagining Patient Discharge and Ongoing Care30:59- The Intersection of Chronic Pain and Chronic Disease32:43- The Role of Movement in Preventative Health34:51- Navigating Health Influencers and Information38:05- The Balance of Biohacking and Fundamental Health Practices40:320- Understanding Food Choices and Nutritional Myths44:40- The Psychological Aspects of Eating and Fasting54:58- Understanding Blood Sugar and Continuous Glucose Monitoring01:02:24- The Impact of Blood Sugar on Overall Health01:04:01- The Future of Healthcare and Insurance Models01:10:16- Niche Practices in Healthcare and Business Innovation

Dr. Brett Scott sits down with applied sports scientist Tim Gabbett (30+ yrs, 300+ papers) to unpack acute vs chronic load, progressive overload, training vs competition balance, youth vs pro demands, rehab (local vs global capacity), deloads, soreness, and smarter monitoring.TakeawaysTim Gabbitt emphasizes the need for quantifying training loads to ensure effective progression.A well-structured training program is essential for injury prevention and performance enhancement.Understanding acute and chronic workloads helps in managing training intensity and recovery.Soreness can be a normal part of training adaptation, as long as recovery occurs within expected time frames.Balancing local tissue capacity with sport-specific loading is crucial for injury prevention.Strength training is important for all athletes, including endurance runners.The minimum effective dose for maintaining endurance can be as little as one session per week.Deloading strategies should be individualized and not overly frequent or prolonged.Technology can aid in monitoring training loads, but athletes should also listen to their bodies.Creating a supportive training environment is key to athlete success.Chapters00:00- Introduction to High Performance and Injury Prevention02:56- The Importance of Quantifying Training Loads06:08- Understanding Acute and Chronic Workloads08:58- Balancing Load and Response in Training12:05- The Role of Soreness in Performance14:59- Rehabilitation Principles for Injured Athletes18:01- Local vs. Global Capacity in Training21:03- Strength Training for Injury Prevention23:52- The Importance of Context in Training Loads40:33- Tissue Adaptation and Injury Prevention43:41- Strength Training for Runners46:45- Finding the Minimum Effective Dose53:43- Rethinking Deloading Strategies01:01:09- The Role of RPE and Auto-Regulation01:04:07- The Impact of Fitness Trackers01:07:09- Coaching Challenges in Athlete Management