What if greatness isn’t something you’re born with… but something you grow into?

On today’s episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with one of the nation’s leading minds in performance psychology: Dr. Amy Athey, Chief Wellbeing Officer at the University of Arizona, former NCAA athlete, and trusted mental performance advisor to Olympians, Special Forces operators, professional athletes, and high-pressure CEOs.

Dr. Athey has spent decades inside the mindset of the world’s highest achievers — and her message is both powerful and radically freeing:

Greatness isn’t fixed. Talent isn’t destiny. The truly elite are simply… still evolving.

In this eye-opening conversation, we dive deep into:

The biggest myth about talent and greatness — and why believing it is dangerous for your potential
How elite performers fall in love with the process, especially when results stall
Why reflection is a performance superpower (and what the “action of reflection” actually looks like in real life)
How Olympians and executives keep going when motivation dies
The role of connection, purpose, and community in building mental resilience
Self-compassion vs. inner fire — how to stay driven without destroying yourself
The internal shift that separates those who crumble from those who evolve after injury, loss, burnout, or failure
And the personal moment that forced Dr. Athey herself to evolve — reshaping her work and her mission

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, clinicians, leaders, and anyone chasing high performance without sacrificing wellbeing. If you want to understand what truly drives greatness — and how to build it within yourself — this conversation will change the way you train, think, and live.

Learn more about Dr. Amy 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

“Reversing Alzheimer’s: Restoring Brain Chemistry with Plasmalogens”

Description:
What if Alzheimer’s isn’t something we merely “treat” but a biochemical imbalance we can restore? On this episode of Crackin’ Backs, we go deep with neuroscientist Dr. Dayan Goodenowe — a pioneer in the science of plasmalogens, memory, and brain restoration.

We begin by peeling back his personal journey: what sparked his fascination with Alzheimer’s, biochemical disease, and the hidden chemistry of consciousness. Then we dive into the heart of the episode:

• What are plasmalogens and why are they essential for brain health, memory, and cognition?
• How could plasmalogen deficiencies be the missing link in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
• Which other biochemical pathways may hold keys to closing the gap between molecules and awareness?
• Can restoring a brain’s chemistry truly void the myth that Alzheimer’s is irreversible?

You’ll hear stories, concrete science, and a vision for the next frontier of Alzheimer’s prevention, reversal, and cognitive restoration.

Whether you’re caring for someone with dementia, curious about brain longevity, or fascinated by the intersection of biochemistry and consciousness — this episode offers new hope and actionable insight.

About Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, PhD

Dr. Goodenowe is a trailblazing neuroscientist, inventor, and the driving force behind Prodrome Sciences. He has led more than 15 years of research into metabolic biomarkers, Alzheimer’s, and neurological disease. His groundbreaking work has identified plasmalogen deficiency as a potential causative factor in Alzheimer’s and dementia, shifting the conversation from damage control to restorative biochemistry. He is also the author of Breaking Alzheimer’s: A 15-Year Crusade to Expose the Cause and Deliver the Cure.

Dr. Goodenowe founded the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center, which specializes in biochemical restoration protocols for neurologic conditions including Alzheimer’s, ALS, Parkinson’s, and cognitive disorders.

He has published on topics such as plasmalogen supplementation in mild cognitive impairment, serum plasmalogens and Alzheimer’s biomarkers, and metabolic correlates of aging and cognition.

Learn More & Dive Deeper

• Clinical trials & published research: drgoodenowe.com/clinical-trials Dr. Goodenowe
• ProdromeNeuro supplement & plasmalogen clinical data: drgoodenowe.com/tag/prodromeneuro Dr. Goodenowe

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

What do a struggling student, a decorated Navy SEAL, and a hospital CEO all have in common? The answer: Jeff Mengenhausen.

In this explosive episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with the only Navy SEAL in the country running a hospital—a man who’s rewriting the rules of leadership, resilience, and what healthcare should really be.

Jeff’s story is anything but ordinary. Once labeled a “poor student,” he went on to earn Navy SEAL honors, a Purple Heart, and combat commendations. Today, he’s transforming Montrose Regional Health into one of the most respected community hospitals in the nation. But his mission doesn’t stop there—Jeff is exposing the cracks in America’s hospital culture and challenging the grip Big Pharma and profit-driven systems have on patient care.

Inside this episode, we ask:

• Why isn’t the Navy SEAL ethos of “embrace the suck” translating into healthcare leadership?
• What behind-the-scenes SEAL lessons still drive Jeff’s decisions as a hospital CEO?
• Why are so many hospitals failing their patients—and how is Montrose setting a new standard?
• Has Big Pharma hijacked the direction of care in America?
• And after trillions spent on cancer and chronic disease, why aren’t outcomes improving?

This conversation isn’t just about medicine. It’s about survival, clarity under pressure, and the courage to flip a broken system on its head.

Learn more about Jeff Mengenhausen and Montrose Regional Health:

• Montrose Regional 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 Podcast

Ever feel your body slam on the brakes at the worst moment—or light up just from someone’s tone of voice? That’s your nervous system running the show. In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, polyvagal performance coach Michael Allison (Polyvagal Clinic / The Play Zone) shows us how to find clarity in chaos and silence within the noise—teaching practical tools to shift from stress to calm, from pressure to play right when it counts.

Michael breaks down Polyvagal Theory for non-experts—what it is, why it matters for peak performance, and the top myths he wants coaches and clinicians to retire (looking at you, oversimplified “fight-or-flight” narratives). Then we dive into his frameworks: The Play Zone and Autonomic Agility™—how to read your physiological state, respect its impact on performance, and shift under pressure. You’ll get a crisp 90-second routine Michael uses with athletes and performers (such as high end tennis professionals and golfers) and learn exactly what a coach should observe and what the athlete should feel when it’s working.

Why listen? Michael’s methodology is endorsed by Dr. Stephen W. Porges, developer of Polyvagal Theory, and he trains coaches globally through the Polyvagal Institute—working across MLB, NBA, ATP/WTA, FIFA, NCAA, and more. If you want nervous-system regulation, vagus-nerve-informed performance, and state shifts on demand, this episode is your playbook.

Learn more about Michael Allison

• The Play Zone (programs, coaching, resources): HERE
• Psychology Today column (“The Pressure Paradox”):
• Instagram (updates & clips): 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

“Why Are We Still Afraid to Talk About the Pelvic Floor?”

We glamorize six-packs, obsess over core strength, and chase the latest fitness hacks—but here’s the shocking truth: the foundation of your health, strength, and even your confidence isn’t your abs, it’s your pelvic floor. And yet, it’s still one of the most ignored, stigmatized, and misunderstood parts of the body.

On this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with the bold and unapologetic Kim Vopni—aka The Vagina Coach—a woman who has built her career tearing down taboos and speaking the truth the fitness and medical industries often avoid.

In this provocative, unfiltered conversation, we dive into:

• Why pelvic floor health is more important than six-pack abs.
• The real cost of ignoring pelvic health—from back pain to sexual dysfunction.
• Why the classic advice to “just do Kegels” is outdated and sometimes harmful.
• The top pelvic floor problems men face in silence—and how they can start healing.
• Whether leakage during workouts should be normalized—or treated as a red flag.
• How constipation, bathroom posture, and daily habits silently sabotage your pelvic floor.
• Which products are fads vs. game-changers in the crowded pelvic health market.
• The intimate connection between pelvic strength, pleasure, and sexual health.
• Kim’s vision for a world where pelvic floor training is as routine as brushing your teeth.

This episode is not just about women, not just about childbirth, and not just about aging—it’s about every body. Whether you’re lifting heavy, sitting at a desk, navigating menopause, or recovering from injury, your pelvic floor is central to how you move, feel, and live.

If you’ve ever felt like this conversation was too taboo, Kim Vopni is here to blow the doors wide open. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about your body.

Learn more about Kim Vopni here:

• Website: The Vagina Coach
• Instagram: HERE
• YouTube: HERE
• Facebook: HERE

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and join us in breaking the silence on the most important muscle group you’ve never talked about.

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

Are you giving more thought to the car you drive than the mattress you sleep on? Think again. We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, and the quality of your sleep doesn’t just determine whether you wake up groggy or refreshed—it impacts your brain health, mood, recovery, performance, and even how long you live.

On today’s episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Fred Kunke, a veteran in the mattress and sleep industry who’s spent decades helping people transform their nights (and their lives) by finding the right sleep system—without the gimmicks.

In this episode, we cut through the marketing noise and get real about:

• The biggest mistakes people make when buying a mattress—and why they keep repeating them.
• The truth about firm mattresses and back pain (spoiler: it’s not one-size-fits-all).
• What you need to know about toxic fiberglass in mattresses and how to protect yourself.
• Cooling vs. contouring—which is best if you sleep hot or struggle with temperature at night.
• Whether smart mattresses are worth the hype or just another expensive gadget.
• The step-by-step framework Fred uses to match people with the perfect mattress.
• Why your pillow and sheets can make or break your night.
• Simple, low-cost sleep hygiene hacks that dramatically improve rest without spending a dime.

This isn’t another sales pitch—it’s the insider’s guide to better sleep from someone who’s been on the front lines of the sleep industry for years. If you care about your health, performance, and longevity, you can’t afford to miss this one.

Learn more about Fred Kunke and his work here:

• Fred Kunke Website

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and start sleeping smarter tonight.

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

What if the fastest way to change your life isn’t more willpower—but a better doorway into your subconscious?
On today’s Crackin’ Backs Podcast, hypnotherapist Dayana Muzinek (Grace Method™ certified) pulls back the curtain on how hypnotherapy works, why it’s more than “stage hypnosis,” and how focused consciousness can help rewire cue–craving–response patterns that drive anxiety, insomnia, IBS/gut issues, chronic pain, vaping, and doom-scrolling. Dayana breaks down her go-to Grace Method flow—from induction to suggestion to post-session homework—and gives listeners a 90-second at-home interrupt (breath + word cue + micro-move) you can use the moment worry blindsides you. (Grace Method training details here.

We also go where the clicks are:

• Sleep hypnosis & insomnia: What a three-step sleep hypnosis stack looks like, where hypnosis helps, and where the evidence is still emerging. (Peer-reviewed reviews/meta-analyses suggest promise but mixed methodology.
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy (IBS): Why clinicians are calling GDH “guideline-adjacent” and how sessions may reset the gut–brain axis; plus a calm-the-gut script outline to try at home for a week. (Multiple meta-analyses and RCTs show improvements in global IBS symptoms.
• Chronic pain: Where hypnosis fits best (often as an adjunct), and which levers matter most—expectations, imagery, and self-hypnosis between visits. (Recent meta-analytic work supports benefits across mental and somatic outcomes.
• Modern habits & identity change: From vaping to doom-scrolling to GLP-1 era weight loss, Dayana explains how hypnosis supports pre/during/post-GLP-1 phases by targeting the two identity shifts that sustain new behavior.
• Safety & ethics: We tackle myths about false memories and outline Dayana’s trauma-sensitive, evidence-based guardrails, including the safe boundary for self-hypnosis at home.

If you’ve ever searched “Does hypnosis really work for anxiety?”, “sleep hypnosis for insomnia,” “hypnotherapy for IBS,” or “how to break bad habits with hypnosis,” this conversation gives you science, structure, and a starter routine you can use tonight.

Learn More / Book with Dayana

• Connect with Dayana Muzinek (LinkedIn): She’s a Grace Method™ Certified Hypnotherapist and active member of IACT. Message her directly for session inquiries and availability.
• About the Grace Method™ (school, approach, app): Training, philosophy, and consumer resources.

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

Is chronic pain really “in the body”… or in the brain’s predictions about the body?
Today on the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jorge Esteves, PhD, DO—an osteopath, educator, and researcher whose work reframes low back pain, sciatica, and other MSK issues through the lens of predictive processing, active inference, and interoception. Dr. Esteves explains why pain is more than a physical signal: it’s shaped by mood, memory, context, and environment—and how the right mix of smart touch, simple movement, precise language, and meaning can rewrite faulty predictions and dial down threat in the nervous system.

We explore what he calls “smart touch”—the affective, well-timed, well-paced contact that improves therapeutic alliance, entrains breath and rhythm, and helps the brain feel safe enough to update its story about the spine. We also unpack fresh imaging work suggesting hands-on care can influence connectivity in pain and interoceptive hubs, including the insula—right where body-signal meaning is made. You’ll leave with a 5-minute daily recalibration (breath cue + one gentle movement + one self-touch drill) to keep predictions aligned with reality—especially during a flare.

What You’ll Learn

• Pain ≠ damage: Why back pain often persists due to over-protective predictions and how to nudge them toward safety.
• Smart touch, real change: How affective touch, pacing, and breath cues shift interoceptive processing and calm threat.
• Therapeutic alliance matters: The first 10 minutes that build trust—and the phrases clinicians should avoid because they raise threat.
• Brains on hands-on care: New imaging insights on how manual therapy may modulate brain connectivity in chronic low back pain.

Learn More / Contact Dr. Esteves

• Official site: Prof Jorge Esteves
• Google Scholar (Atlântica University, Portugal): Google Scholar
• ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jorge-Esteves-3 ResearchGate
• (En)active Inference paper (open-access): Frontiers
• Email (from CV): osteojorge@gmail.com Pro Osteo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jorge-esteves-27371522/ Pro Osteo
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JEsteves_osteo Pro Osteo

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