In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctor's of Physical Therapy, welcome Thoryn Stephens, a scientist and founder of Brain One, to discuss optimizing brain health and human performance. Thoryn shares insights on hydration, micro habits, and the role of wearables and AI in personalizing health protocols. The conversation highlights the importance of behavior change, women’s health, and the transformative potential of brain-computer interfaces. Listeners learn practical strategies for building sustainable habits and how technology can empower individuals to improve brain function, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether listeners are looking to 'train my brain for better focus', use technology to 'train my brain for peak performance', or simply discover new ways to 'train my brain for lifelong health', this episode offers actionable health tips and inspiration to address daily pain points.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Thoryn's Resources:

• Brain.One's Website
• Brain.One on IG
• Brain.One on LinkedIn

We think you'll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources vitas https://jen.health/podcast/451

What You'll Learn from Thoryn...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Doctor Dom delve into sesamoiditis, an overuse injury that leads to pain in the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe. They discuss the risk factors and symptoms associated with sesamoiditis, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis. The hosts detail conservative treatment options, including offloading, orthotics, medication, activity modification, and physical therapy, while emphasizing a holistic approach that considers the entire lower limb. Surgery is presented as a last resort. Additionally, they introduce their Foot and Ankle Plan, designed to help listeners improve foot health and prevent recurrence of sesamoiditis through targeted exercises and gradual progression.

Manukora Manuka Honey:

During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts.

Strong Start:

Interested in getting started with strength training? Tried starting, but have had aches and pains? Or just feel like you could use a form and technique tune up on your strength training lifts? I created this FREE Strong Start program to help guide lifters at any level in moving confidently and safely through the primary strength movement we should all be doing! Come join for free!

• Strong Start Program
• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/450

What You'll Learn:

02:24 Discussion of risk factors, activities, and biomechanics that contribute to sesamoiditis.

05:02 Explanation of overuse, repetitive pressure, and specific activities that lead to the condition.

06:16 Details on foot structure, limited toe motion, and other anatomical risks.

08:15 Description of orthotics, rocker shoes, and walking boots for reducing toe pressure.

09:16 Discussion of NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and their short-term benefits and limitations.

10:24 Emerging evidence for extracorporeal shockwave therapy and its role in chronic cases.

10:53 Highlighting the need for targeted exercises and PT for long-term improvement.

12:48 Typical timeline and phases of...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, welcome Jennifer Gularson, a leading expert in women’s midlife health and functional medicine. Together, they discuss hormone replacement therapy, GLP-1 medications, and the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause. Jennifer emphasizes individualized, science-based care, shares practical tips for symptom management, and highlights the importance of holistic approaches—including lifestyle changes and patient advocacy—to optimize women’s health and longevity. The episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable insights for navigating hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy and improving overall well-being.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Just Press Play Discount!

Have you been putting starting your new exercise or movement routine on pause for too long?! Come join us because now is the time to "Just Press Play!" Take the toughest step and just start one video. I promise you'll feel the difference in your body and come back for more! Listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout.

Dr Gularson's Resources:

• Dr Gularson on IG
• Dr Gularson's Website

We Think You'll Love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel
• FREE Postpartum Guide!

For full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/449

What You'll Learn from Dr Gularson:

04:55 Jennifer shares her career path, early experiences with menopause care, and transition into functional medicine and hormone replacement therapy.

09:08 Discussion of common complaints from women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, and the importance of validation.

11:23 Emphasis on the need for integrated, team-based care and listening...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the challenges of creating habits around consistent exercise routines, especially as motivation fades after New Year’s resolutions. They emphasize starting small, using accountability, and creating habits through simple cues and systems rather than relying on motivation. The hosts share practical health tips for integrating movement into daily life, highlight the importance of enjoyment and social support, and debunk myths about needing fancy equipment. They encourage listeners to “just press play,” focus on progress over perfection, and join their supportive Jen Health community for help in creating habits that last to overcome consistent pain and aches.

Manukora Manuka Honey:

During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts.

Just Press Play Discount!

Have you been putting starting your new exercise or movement routine on pause for too long?! Come join us because now is the time to "Just Press Play!" Take the toughest step and just start one video. I promise you'll feel the difference in your body and come back for more! Listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout.

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/448

What you'll learn:

02:11 Common barriers to starting routines and why motivation alone isn’t enough.

04:13 Why people procrastinate exercise and how to overcome feeling stuck.

07:45 Addressing fears of insufficient effort and debunking the 21-day habit myth; real habit formation takes 2–5 months.

09:47 Examples of starting small, using accountability, and how habits grow over time.

12:30 How to attach new habits to daily cues, with practical movement examples for busy lives.

14:51 Incorporating movement into parenting and playtime, making exercise part of family routines.

17:51 The importance of accountability partners, consistent timing, and following a plan to maintain exercise habits.

20:21 Why enjoyment and personal value are key to sustaining movement habits, not guilt or obligation.

22:29 Research-backed advice to prioritize...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Dr. Dom interview Gabriela Rosa, a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist and founder of the Rosa Institute. Gabriela shares her journey into fertility work, the development of her evidence-based Fertile Method, and her dedication to individualized, root-cause-focused care for those experiencing fertility struggles and recurrent miscarriage. The conversation delves into the limitations of IVF, common fertility myths, the importance of lifestyle changes, and the need for personalized diagnosis in women's health. Gabriela also provides practical resources and underscores the value of patience, consistency, and hope for those navigating fertility struggles. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the significance of addressing fertility struggles within the broader context of women's health, emphasizing compassion and a holistic approach.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Manukora Manuka Honey:

During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts.

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/447

Gabriela's Resources:

• Fertility Breakthrough Website
• Fertility Breakthrough on IG
• Fertility Breakthrough on YT
• Fertility Breakthrough on FB
• Gabriela on IG

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, focus on body tips strategies for IT Band Syndrome and IT band pain at the hip—a less recognized but significant issue. They explain why traditional stretching and rolling are ineffective, highlighting the IT band’s anatomy and function in the context of IT Band Syndrome. Instead, they recommend evidence-based strengthening and mobility exercises targeting the hip and core to improve stability and relieve pain. The hosts offer practical exercise tips, discuss common diagnostic challenges, and emphasize a holistic, strength-based approach for long-term relief, empowering listeners to take control of their hip health. Special resources are also shared for further support.

Just Press Play Discount!

Been having those nagging aches and pains but just don't know where to start? Come and start your free week trial of Jen Health. Our message this month is "Just Press Play." Starting is often the hardest part, but, once you feel the difference in your body, you will continue to come back for more! Podcast listeners get a special discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout!

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

We think you’ll love:

• Just Press Play
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn:

2:13 Discussion of IT band anatomy, its connections, and why hip pain can be related to the IT band.

3:30 Explanation of where the IT band originates, common misdiagnoses, and imaging limitations.

6:41 Why traditional approaches like rolling or stretching the IT band are not effective.

9:11 How IT band pain at the hip mimics other conditions like bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy.

10:07 Summary of research on proximal IT band syndrome and its underdiagnosis due to imaging.

12:20 Review of surgical outcomes for snapping hip vs. non-snapping hip pain and the importance of conservative care.

14:16 Research findings that strengthening...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/446

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview neuro optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum about the crucial difference between eyesight and functional vision. They discuss how functional vision is a brain-based process that impacts learning, behavior, and overall health, often mimicking ADHD or attention issues. Dr. Appelbaum explains the effects of screen time, the importance of developmental milestones, and practical visual health tips like the 20-20-20 rule and vision exercise. The conversation highlights vision therapy’s role in enhancing functional vision for concussion recovery and performance, offering actionable tips for both parents and adults to optimize visual and brain health.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Manukora Manuka Honey:

During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts.

Dr. Appelbaum's Resources:

• My Vision First Website
• ScreenFit Website
• Free Vision Health Guide
• Free Vision Assessment
• Dr Appelbaum on FB
• Dr Appelbaum on YT
• Dr Appelbaum on IG

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Go HERE for full show notes and resources.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, break down a new international consensus on stretching, helping listeners discover the best stretching practices for their needs. They explain the differences between static, dynamic, ballistic, and PNF stretching exercise, and discuss both the immediate and long-term benefits—such as increased range of motion, decreased pain, and reduced muscle stiffness. The hosts clarify common myths, noting that even the best stretching routines alone don’t build muscle, prevent injuries, or fix posture. They emphasize the importance of consistency and combining the best stretching techniques with strength and stability exercises for optimal results and overall body health.

Manukora Manuka Honey:

During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

We think you’ll love:

• Free Week Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn:

02:07 Announcement of a new international consensus on stretching and what the episode will cover.

03:29 Overview of static, dynamic, ballistic, PNF, and high dosage static stretching.

06:58 Explanation that the consensus mainly reviewed static stretching and its effects.

07:48 Discussion of immediate effects: increased range of motion and reduced muscle stiffness, with short-lived results.

08:12 Recommended acute stretching dosages and how different nervous systems respond.

10:48 Long-term effects: increased range of motion, reduced stiffness, but not hypertrophy or reliable injury prevention.

12:13 Consensus recommendations: four minutes per...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/444

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.