The Posture Plank: How Dr. Brian Kulbieda Turned One Brilliant Idea into a Movement | Conversations with a Chiropractor

In this inspiring and wildly entertaining episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier welcomes fellow Marquette chiropractor and inventor Dr. Brian Kulbieda, creator of the Posture Plank. What started as a daily observation in his practice became a national-scope product now helping people reclaim their spinal health—right from home.

Brian opens up about his lifelong passion for invention, the early days of chiropractic school, and how a broomstick, an elderly patient’s advice, and a late-night lightbulb moment sparked the design for a posture-correcting tool now being used across age groups and activity levels. Along the way, you'll hear stories of hockey hits, soldering smoke, business lessons, and the power of community in bringing a dream to life.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, clinician, or posture nerd, this is a story of grit, creativity, and genuine small-town brilliance.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• How the Posture Plank was born from one chiropractor’s hands-on frustration

• Why early posture training is vital—and how it can still be corrected in adulthood

• The process of invention: from NMU to prototyping to production to pandemic setbacks

• Tips for marketing a product, staying true to your mission, and reaching the masses

• The future of the Posture Plank—and how it could change the way we strengthen

• Posture Plank Website: https://postureplank.com

• Posture Plank on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postureplank

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com

Credits:
Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com.

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor
00:41 Meet Dr. Brian Kulbieda: The Inventor of the Posture Plank
01:11 Early Inspirations and Childhood Dreams
02:44 Journey to Becoming a Chiropractor
07:31 College Life and Personal Relationships
12:40 Starting a Chiropractic Practice
16:36 The Birth of an Invention
20:32 First Steps in Making the Idea a Reality
21:02 Collaborating with Invent at NMU
22:12 Designing the Posture Plank
24:04 Challenges and Setbacks
25:24 Innovative Solutions and New Ideas
29:21 Marketing and Distribution
34:22 Legal and Patent Considerations
36:08 Quality and Sustainability
37:08 Reaching the Masses
38:15 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

College, Career, and Common Sense: Educator Melanie Korczyk on Helping Students Thrive | Conversations with a Chiropractor

In this eye-opening episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with her sister, veteran educator Melanie Korczyk, for a powerful conversation on preparing students—not just for college, but for life.

With over two decades in the classroom and a growing career in executive functioning coaching, Melanie shares her insights on helping students build the real-world skills they need to thrive. From college essays to career paths, ADHD to anxiety, and the truth about community college versus the four-year university track—this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and practical tools for parents, students, and educators alike.

Whether you're raising a college-bound teen, guiding students through post-grad decisions, or reflecting on your own educational path, Melanie’s calm, compassionate perspective is a breath of fresh air.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• Why executive functioning skills are often more important than GPA

• How to guide kids through college decisions with financial awareness

• The truth about stigma and value around community college vs. university

• Tips for college essays, exploring career paths, and building student resilience

• What today’s students really need to hear—and what parents can do to help

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com

Credits:
Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest
00:32 Melanie's Early Inspiration to Teach
02:58 College Journey and Challenges
04:24 Transition to Western Michigan University
06:13 Early Teaching Career
08:12 Executive Functioning Coaching
13:18 Helping Students with College Preparation
16:07 Community College vs. Four-Year University
27:06 Career Path Guidance for Students
29:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this deeply personal and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier turns the mic on her producer, voice actor, musician, and longtime friend—David Ploss.

Born with a rare condition called hemifacial microsomia, David opens up about his early medical challenges, childhood surgeries, and the emotional toll of growing up "different." But what unfolds is more than a story of resilience—it's a tale of self-discovery, creative expression, viral sea shanties, and an unforgettable high school crush that turns into the love of his life.

From TikTok fame to trumpet duets, this is a story about healing, humor, and the unpredictable magic of reconnection. It's also a tribute to Katie—the woman who changed everything.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• The impact of a rare congenital condition and a childhood shaped by reconstructive surgeries

• How David navigated school, bullying, and the emotional weight of feeling different

• A second chance at love with a high school bandmate—made possible by TikTok and sea shanties

• A tribute to partnership, music, and the powerful journey of becoming whole

• David’s TikTok (@ploss_vocal): https://www.tiktok.com/@ploss_vocal

• Watch “The Coronavirus Song” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODRmoWEp1lA

• Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1GA7Nvl1FtMdJGnMDf9Q1G

• Stream David’s Music on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/be/artist/david-ploss/1504650155

• Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro

• Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness

• Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com

Credits:
Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
01:21 Family History and Genetic Mutation
04:06 Childhood Challenges and Surgeries
11:39 Adolescence and Social Struggles
20:43 High School Band Memories
22:31 Reconnecting on TikTok
23:31 Sea Shanty Success
25:52 A Beautiful Reunion
33:14 A Tribute to Katie