Send us a text

One of the most overlooked contributors to chronic pain, limited mobility, and recurring injuries is soft tissue dysfunction.

Many people treat pain as a skeletal issue — focusing on bones, joints, or posture — without realizing that unresolved soft tissue restrictions are often the real root cause. In this episode, soft tissue specialist Ted Plasko explains how muscles, fascia, and scar tissue directly impact movement, recovery, and long-term joint health.

Amanda and Ted break down why rest and recovery are not the same thing, how scar tissue forms after injury or surgery, and how stress becomes stored in the body — often showing up as pain, tightness, or restricted range of motion. They also explore why preventative soft tissue work isn’t a luxury, but a necessary part of sustainable wellness and injury prevention.

Whether you’re an athlete, desk worker, or living in a high-stress body, this episode will help you understand how movement, recovery, and intentional care work together to support long-term health.

In This Episode

• What soft tissue is and how it affects skeletal health
• Why soft tissue issues often show up as joint pain
• The difference between rest and true recovery
• How movement supports mobility and injury prevention
• Scar tissue’s role in chronic pain
• How stress contributes to physical dysfunction
• Why prevention beats reactive treatment

Key Takeaways

• Soft tissue issues often precede skeletal pain
• Recovery requires intention, not just rest
• Scar tissue can restrict movement long after healing
• Stress can amplify pain and tension
• Soft tissue work is maintenance, not indulgence
• Prevention improves mobility and quality of life

Guest: Ted Plasko
Expertise: Soft Tissue Specialist

Hosted by: Amanda Norcott – Co-Founder, AIWA Collective

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Soft Tissue & Skeletal Health
07:51 – Why Soft Tissue Is Overlooked
15:31 – Movement & Recovery
22:26 – Scar Tissue & Healing
29:56 – Stress & Pain
38:19 – Finding the Right Specialist
45:16 – Prevention vs Treatment

Keywords

soft tissue health, injury prevention, recovery vs rest, scar tissue pain, movement and mobility, pain management, holistic wellness, functional movement, AIWA podcast, All In Wellness Approach

Sound Bites

“The body keeps the score.”
“You can find that person.”
“Choose your hard.”

Connect With AIWA

https://linktr.ee/AIWACollective

Support the show

Connect with Us

Instagram: / aiwapodcast
TikTok: / aiwapodcast
YouTube: / @aiwacollective
Website: https://www.aiwacollective.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02wtqGV...

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Subscribe + turn on notifications
• Share this episode with someone who’s navigating burnout
• Follow us on socials for upcoming After Show Q&As
• Comment or DM us: What signs of burnout have you noticed in yourself lately?

Thanks for listening.
Let’s live well—for the long haul.

— Your AIWA Team

Episode Summary

In this All In After Show mini-series of The All In Wellness Approach, Aubrey and Amanda go deeper into the conversation behind building something meaningful before you feel prepared — using the real-life journey of opening True Fit Georgetown as the backdrop.

This episode centers on the truth that growth rarely starts with confidence — it starts with action. Through honest reflection and lived experience, the hosts unpack what it actually looks like to begin with limited resources, navigate setbacks, and create a safe, supportive environment rooted in community rather than perfection.

They explore bravery as a practice, not a personality trait; how setbacks strengthen resilience; and why finding your “why” is essential for sustained motivation. The conversation also introduces the Five Whys Method as a powerful self-discovery tool — helping listeners uncover deeper purpose beneath surface-level goals.

This After Show is about momentum, meaning, and building spaces — gyms, communities, and lives — where people feel safe enough to show up, struggle, and grow together.

In This Episode

• What it really means to start before you feel ready
• Why perfection isn’t required for progress
• Building a safe and supportive gym environment
• How setbacks shape resilience instead of stopping growth
• Why bravery is action taken in fear, not confidence
• The role of community during hard seasons
• Finding your “why” and how it fuels long-term motivation
• Using the Five Whys Method for deeper self-discovery
• Why meaningful change doesn’t require massive goals
• Bringing others along as part of your growth journey

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need all the tools to start — you need momentum.
• Failure is not final; it’s part of the process.
• Bravery is doing the work even when fear is present.
• Community support is essential during setbacks.
• A strong “why” transforms motivation and direction.
• The Five Whys Method helps uncover deeper purpose.
• Safe spaces foster connection, trust, and growth.
• Setbacks often become the foundation for resilience.
• Growth is meant to be shared, not carried alone.
• Small, intentional actions can create meaningful change.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the All In After Show
02:58 – The Journey of Opening True Fit Georgetown
06:08 – Creating a Safe and Supportive Gym Environment
08:45 – Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience
11:45 – Finding Your Why and Why It Matters
14:57 – The Five Whys Method for Self-Discovery
18:11 – Bravery and Taking Risks in Life
21:05 – The Power of Community and Support
24:05 – Closing Reflections and Takeaways

Keywords

wellness, fitness, community, resilience, personal growth, gym environment, self-discovery, motivation, bravery, support, mindset, purpose, growth, intentional living

Connect with Us

Instagram: / aiwapodcast
TikTok: / aiwapodcast
YouTube: / @aiwacollective
Website: https://www.aiwacollective.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02wtqGV...

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Subscribe + turn on notifications
• Share this episode with someone who’s navigating burnout
• Follow us on socials for upcoming After Show Q&As
• Comment or DM us: What signs of burnout have you noticed in yourself lately?

Thanks for listening.
Let’s live well—for the long haul.

— Your AIWA Team

In this episode of The All In Wellness Approach, Dan Stein shares a deeply personal and transformative journey through anorexia, self-discovery, faith, and the slow, intentional work of healing. Dan opens up about early struggles with body image, the quiet progression of his eating disorder, and the moment he finally acknowledged the truth.

He explores how learning about fitness and mental health empowered his recovery, why community matters, and how faith grounded him during moments of uncertainty. Dan also dives into the perspective-shifting power of travel and the creation of his activewear brand PAX, built around the idea that true wellness is peace — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

This conversation is a raw, honest look at the inner battles many people face and the peace that comes when you begin to trust your body, your story, and your purpose again.

Key Takeaways
Instant gratification complicates long-term wellness and recovery
Sharing personal stories helps others feel seen and supported
Eating disorders are often subtle and easily overlooked
Acknowledging the truth is the critical first step
Knowledge empowers healing and informed choices
Faith played a foundational role in Dan’s recovery
You can’t heal in isolation — community matters
Travel broadens perspective and reshapes priorities
Trusting in a higher plan brings peace during uncertainty
Recovery is not linear — it requires patience and grace

Chapters
00:00 – The Challenge of Instant Gratification
02:08 – Introduction to Dan’s Journey
03:50 – From Google to Men’s Health: A Turning Point
06:04 – The Origin Story of Anorexia
10:04 – The Descent Into Anorexia
13:48 – The Aha Moment: Recognizing the Disorder
17:54 – Confronting the Reality of Eating Disorders
20:00 – The Path to Recovery and Self-Discovery
22:48 – Faith and Personal Growth
24:48 – Reconnecting With Faith and Community
27:08 – Transforming Wellness Into a Lifestyle
29:48 – The Long Road to Recovery
33:30 – Navigating the Journey of Health and Wellness
37:39 – The Importance of Enjoying the Process
38:33 – Launching PAX: A Brand with Purpose
42:18 – The Transformative Power of Travel
48:01 – Trusting the Journey Ahead

Keywords:
Eating Disorder, Anorexia, Mental Health, Recovery, Fitness, Faith, Wellness, Body Image, Personal Growth, Travel, PAX Brand, Men’s Mental Health, Healing Journey, Self-Improvement

References:
Mental Health & Eating Disorder Support
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
NEDA Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
ANAD (Support Groups & Resources): https://anad.org/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
Mayo Clinic – Eating Disorder Treatment:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment

Connect with Us

Instagram: / aiwapodcast
TikTok: / aiwapodcast
YouTube: / @aiwacollective
Website: https://www.aiwacollective.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02wtqGV...

If You Enjoyed This Episode

• Subscribe + turn on notifications
• Share this episode with someone who’s navigating burnout
• Follow us on socials for upcoming After Show Q&As
• Comment or DM us: What signs of burnout have you noticed in yourself lately?

Thanks for listening.
Let’s live well—for the long haul.

— Your AIWA Team