

Pursuing Health
Julie Foucher MD, MS
Julie Foucher MD, MS is a four-time CrossFit Games athlete and family physician.
Her passion lies in bridging the gap between fitness and medicine to empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Every third Tuesday, she shares insightful content from a diverse lineup of guests, including medical experts and elite athletes.
Her passion lies in bridging the gap between fitness and medicine to empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Every third Tuesday, she shares insightful content from a diverse lineup of guests, including medical experts and elite athletes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 12, 2021 • 54min
Solving Chronic Disease PH219
Healthcare practitioners and affiliate owners discuss limitations of the conventional healthcare system, the power of the CrossFit affiliate to transform health, and how we can make CrossFit more accessible to a broader population. The panel was part of a series of conversations hosted by CrossFit Health at the 2021 CrossFit Games.
You can connect with the featured panelists via Instagram:
Julie Foucher, MD - Family Physician @juliefoucher
Pat Sherwood - CrossFit Linchpin Owner @sherwood215
Athena Perez - Scaled Nation CrossFit Owner @athenamariebt
Nick Nwabueze, MD - SteadyMD Physician @thefittestdoc
Tom McCoy, DO - Vital Human Medical Director @vitalhumandoc
Related Episodes:
Ep 214 - CrossFit and Injuries
Ep 208 - From 450 Lbs. to Fit: Athena Perez
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Oct 7, 2021 • 4min
CrossFit Health Tip - Do I Have Insulin Resistance? with Tom McCoy, DO PH218
1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, and 84% don’t even know it. Family physician Tom McCoy, DO, describes the mechanism behind insulin resistance, how to investigate whether you have it, and steps to take to reverse it.
To learn more about CrossFit Health and how to get involved as a healthcare provider or patient, visit health.crossfit.com.
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Oct 5, 2021 • 52min
Revolutionizing Healthcare: CrossFit Precision Care PH217
CrossFit CEO Eric Roza and Wild Health co-founder and CEO Matt Dawson, MD join me to discuss the evolution of CrossFit Health and the inception of CrossFit Precision Care, a personalized medicine practice. We discuss why CrossFit is uniquely positioned to revolutionize healthcare, the importance of primary care visits, even for healthy individuals, what it will be like to experience CrossFit Precision Care as a patient, and how other practitioners can get involved.
To learn more visit care.crossfit.com.
You can connect with Eric Roza via Instagram @rozaeric and Dr. Matt Dawson via Instagram @wildhealthmd.
Related Episodes:
Ep 158 - Eric Roza: CrossFit’s new CEO on Health, Happiness, and Performance
Ep 172 - Optimal Health through Genomics Based Personalized Medicine
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Sep 30, 2021 • 6min
CrossFit Health Tip - Real vs. Processed Food with EC Synkowski PH216
“You want food that goes bad,” says EC Synkowski, CF-L4 and founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition. “When we’re looking at nutrition for general overall health, you really want quality AND quantity. What happens with processed foods is we tend to have a mismatch of that.”
To learn more about CrossFit Health and how to get involved as a healthcare provider or patient, visit health.crossfit.com.
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Sep 28, 2021 • 38min
Mentally Fit: Tarryn Harvey PH215
When Tarryn Harvey was in her early 20’s, an unexpected heartbreak left her struggling with depression, anxiety, and the early stages of anorexia. A friend helped her recognize she needed help, and connected Tarryn with a personal trainer who eventually introduced her to CrossFit. As Tarryn began lifting weights, she started eating to fuel her workouts, and soon, she began to feel empowered and strong. Her depression started to fade, she reconnected with friends, and she discovered the power of meditation and positive self talk. Tarryn credits CrossFit with saving her life: not only does it help her remain physically healthy, she knows she can count on the community and the workouts help her mentally reset on challenging days.
You can connect with Tarryn via Instagram @wildandsassy1
Related Episodes:
Ep 161 - An Unlikely Antidote to Anorexia: Becky Fox
Ep 56 - Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Ben Bergeron on the Process of Creating a Champion
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Sep 21, 2021 • 58min
CrossFit and Injuries PH214
Healthcare practitioners speak on what drew them to CrossFit when their colleagues might have said it was dangerous, how the risk of injury in CrossFit compares to other sports, the risk vs. benefits of exercise, the most effective recovery modalities, how we can change the perception of CrossFit in the medical community, and more.
You can connect with the featured panelists via Instagram:
Sean Rockett, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon @321gomd
Kelly Starrett, DPT, The Ready State Co-Founder @thereadystate
Amy West, MD, Sports Medicine Physiatrist @amywestmd
Jason Garrett, DC, Airrosti Chief Medical Officer @airrosti
Related Episodes:
Ep 132 - Healing Through Functional Movement with Dr. Amy West
Ep 184 - A Neurosurgeon Healing Back Pain with Functional Movement: Dr. David Johnson
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Sep 14, 2021 • 35min
Moving Through Ankylosing Spondylitis with Scott Young PH213
After years of experiencing mysterious intermittent pain in his back, Scott Young was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory autoimmune condition that, over time, can cause the bones of the spine to fuse.
In this episode, he shares how his physical therapist encouraged him to start CrossFit to improve his movement mechanics, and how, over time, that’s led to his realization that staying moving helps relieve some of the stiffness and pain he experiences as a result of his AS.
We also talk about the mental benefits of surrounding yourself with a community that lifts you up, and the importance of focusing your energy on habits that lead to health and happiness in the long-term.
You can connect with Scott via Instagram @scottyoungcf.
Related Episodes:
Ep 180 - Putting Scleroderma into Remission with Katie Spilka
Ep 184 - A Neurosurgeon on Healing Back Pain with Functional Movement: Dr. David Johnson
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Sep 6, 2021 • 34min
Healing the Brain with Functional Fitness: Jenna Muri-Rosenthal PH212
Jenna Muri-Rosenthal is a speech-language pathologist, certified brain injury specialist, and a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer. As the founder of Fit to Function Recovery, she has blended these areas of expertise into a program that combines functional fitness with cognitive rehabilitation.
Jenna works with survivors of brain injury and strokes, both one-on-one and in a community environment to help them progress their recovery beyond what is typically considered “good enough” in a traditional rehabilitation setting.
In this episode, we talk about the benefits of CrossFit for those recovering from cognitive impairments, how the training community can better serve this population, and resources for those looking for help for themselves or a loved one.
You can connect with Jenna via Instagram @fittofunctionrecovery or via email fittofunctionrecovery@gmail.com.
Related Episodes:
Ep 207 - From Aneurysm to Recovering Athlete with Vanessa Lew
Ep 124 - Breaking Barriers with an Adaptive Athlete and Coach Kevin Ogar
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Aug 31, 2021 • 50min
Quiet Consistency, Big Weight Loss: Jen Dudley PH211
Jen Dudley shares her amazing story of personal transformation. Her struggles with career anxiety and the stress of nursing school had led to an 80 pound weight gain, and no matter how many times she told her friends and family she was ready to make a change, she always seemed to wind up back where she started, feeling embarrassed for her lack of success. She finally got the wake up call she needed when a family member became ill. Jen quietly committed to herself to start a health and weight loss journey that would stick, and over three years she’s lost 75 pounds. In doing so, she’s avoided chronic disease and medications, and gained a love for CrossFit and a community of friends.
You can connect with Jen via Instagram @jedudley16
Related Episodes:
Ep 173 - Small Steps, Big Results: Carrie McCall
Ep 190 - Jess Esch on Treating Yourself with Value
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Aug 24, 2021 • 54min
HRV + Pregnancy with Dr. Shon Rowan PH210
Dr. Shon Rowan is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He completed his medical training at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and continues to work there as an Assistant Professor. He is clinically active in reproductive medicine including infertility and In Vitro Fertilization, and recently led a research study exploring how monitoring pregnant women’s resting heart rate and HRV can provide insights to the fitness changes that take place during and after pregnancy.
Jeff Giosi Memorial WOD
Love Like They Will Die Tomorrow with Shon Rowan
You can connect with Dr. Rowan via Instagram @shonromd
Related Episodes:
Ep 81 - Pelvic Floor Health for Athletes with Julie Wiebe
Ep 126b - Nicole Christensen on Coaching Pregnant Athletes
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.