The Ready State Podcast

Dr. Stephanie Estima, a chiropractor and expert in women's health, dives into how women uniquely respond to health strategies. She busts myths about calorie restriction and discusses why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign of health. Dr. Estima emphasizes the importance of strength training for women, debunking the fear of becoming bulky. She argues for personalized approaches to healthcare, encouraging women to embrace their biology, and highlights the benefits of explosive movements like sprinting for longevity and power.

Coach Carmen Bott, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with over 20 years of experience in ACL rehab, discusses the alarming rise in youth ACL injuries. She reveals that recovery often takes a full year, contrary to common beliefs. Carmen emphasizes the importance of multi-sport participation and proper support systems for young athletes. She debunks myths around strength training and urges parents to be proactive about their children's athletic health. The conversation highlights the need for play, varied movement, and psychological support during recovery.

Dr. Amy Shah, a double board-certified physician and bestselling author, unveils how the gut microbiome influences energy and wellness. She discusses the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on mood and immunity. Learn about the 'energy trifecta'—the critical connection between gut health, immune function, and hormones. Dr. Shah emphasizes practical tips like her 30/30/3 rule to boost nutrition. She also highlights the importance of aligning eating with circadian rhythms for optimal health, including the role of early microbial exposures in preventing allergies.

Dr. Sharon Bergquist, an award-winning physician and author of 'The Stress Paradox', discusses the overlooked benefits of good stress. She explains how manageable stressors can enhance resilience and promote longevity. Emphasizing hormesis, she reveals that small doses of stress help the body thrive, while addressing how modern stress management can evolve. The conversation also covers the importance of aligning eating with our natural rhythms, the risks of a stress-free lifestyle, and practical tips for incorporating beneficial stress into everyday life.

Dr. Drew Timmermans, a naturopathic physician specializing in orthobiologics, discusses groundbreaking methods for healing chronic injuries. He unpacks the science behind PRP and stem cell therapy, debunking myths about their effectiveness. Timmermans explains how to determine if you're a good candidate for these treatments and outlines their limits and risks, even highlighting cases involving pro athletes. He emphasizes that while regenerative therapies are promising, physical therapy remains essential for long-term recovery.

In this enlightening conversation, Jessica Knurick, a nutrition scientist and public health expert, dives into the maze of health misinformation and the barriers to wellness. She clarifies the disconnect between individual health strategies and public health policies. Jessica highlights how misleading dietary guidelines and social media fear-mongering complicate our food choices. She addresses the unique health misinformation challenges new moms face and critiques systemic issues affecting access to healthy options, all while advocating for effective change in our food systems.

Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and founder of Naboso Technology, unpacks the often-overlooked world of foot health. She explores how foot strength plays a vital role in balance and cognitive function, and debunks myths around footwear, revealing how modern shoes can actually weaken our feet. With insights on barefoot living, basic foot exercises, and the importance of sensory stimulation, Emily provides practical tips for anyone looking to boost their movement and overall health. Foot health isn’t just about walking—it's foundational to our entire well-being!

Dr. Sara Reardon, a pelvic floor physical therapist and author known as 'The Vagina Whisperer,' reveals crucial insights about pelvic floor health in women. She breaks the silence on issues like leaking, pelvic pain, and painful sex, emphasizing how societal norms often dismiss them. Sara discusses the importance of understanding what’s common vs. normal and advocates for better postpartum care. Listeners will appreciate her practical tips for improving pelvic health and learn why men should also care about these often-overlooked issues.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushSue Norman’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From her roots as a world-class whitewater athlete and U.S. National Champion to her time in the military and her inspiring decision to become a mom at 56, Sue’s life is packed with resilience, adventure, and heart. In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Sue shares her incredible story of navigating risk, overcoming childhood challenges, thriving in elite sports, and embracing unexpected motherhood. Learn how she balanced a life of daring whitewater adventures, military service, and raising a child from a tough start in life. Tune in for lessons on courage, adaptability, and finding strength in the wild outdoors. Don’t miss this deeply inspiring conversation with a true legend.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Sue went from a chaotic childhood to becoming a world-class paddlerThe unlikely Army program that launched her elite kayaking careerWhat it takes to lead an all-women’s rafting team through Class V rapidsHow nature became her anchor during trauma, menopause, and motherhoodWhy she took legal custody of her nephew at 56 — and how it changed herWhat parenting a traumatized child taught her about strength, identity, and healingSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Laird Superfood, The World As You'll Know It podcast, Momentous, and LMNT.

Jay Maddock, a Professor at Texas A&M University in Public Health, explores the transformative effects of nature exposure on health. He reveals how spending just 120 minutes outdoors each week can boost mood, cognitive function, and even speed up recovery in hospital patients. Maddock discusses the concept of 'nature deficit disorder,' the incorporation of green spaces in urban design, and why outdoor activities are vital for children's development. He advocates for nature prescriptions in healthcare, highlighting nature's profound influence on well-being.