Live Beyond the Norms

Think about the last time you hurt your back. Did you stop moving? Avoid bending over? Worry that one wrong move might make everything worse? What if those instincts are exactly what's keeping you in pain?

According to a 2023 study in The Lancet Rheumatology, low back pain affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, and that number is projected to reach 843 million by 2050. Many of them will be sent for an MRI, shown a disc bulge, and told surgery is the answer. My guest today, Dr. Grant Elliott, says that for most people, it isn't.

Grant's own back pain ended his competitive mountain biking career and led him to become a chiropractor. Today, he runs RehabFix, one of the largest online back pain programs in the world. We talk about why so many people are overimaged, the few warning signs that actually call for an MRI, and why he tells patients to "kiss the pain" instead of pushing through it.

"Just know that your body is strong and resilient. It was made to adapt." ~ Dr. Grant Elliott

Enjoying Live Beyond the Norms? Leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify, send us a quick screenshot, and we'll thank you with 50% off olive oil and free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566

Resources Mentioned:

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Low Back Pain, 1990–2020 (The Lancet Rheumatology, 2023) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37273833/

An Assessment of Nonoperative Management Strategies in a Herniated Lumbar Disc Population (Global Spine Journal, 2020) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32677528/

Maigne Syndrome: A Potentially Treatable Yet Underdiagnosed Cause of Low Back Pain (2022) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34151827/

Torque Release Technique - https://www.torquerelease.com/

About Dr. Grant Elliott:

Dr. Grant Elliott is a chiropractor, entrepreneur, and the founder of RehabFix, an online program that helps people around the world overcome low back pain, disc herniations, and sciatica without surgery. Raised in Carmel, Indiana, he was a competitive cross-country mountain bike racer until low back pain cut his racing career short. A movement-focused chiropractor he met at the gym inspired him to pursue chiropractic, and he began sharing rehab content online while still in school. He graduated with more than 100,000 followers, opened his practice in Tampa in January 2020, and moved his care online when COVID hit, growing RehabFix into a 15-person team. Today, he has close to a million followers on YouTube and TikTok and 1.4 million on Instagram.

Connect with Dr. Grant Elliott:

- Website: https://www.therehabfix.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabfix/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rehabfix

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rehabfix

- Free assessment video: Message the word "podcast" to @rehabfix on Instagram

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

*Disclaimer*

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Before Jeff Maier became an inventor in the health and wellness industry, he was writing software for GPS satellites and developing video games for the Commodore 64. He even helped create a surfboard controller that let players experience surfing through a video game.

So how did someone who spent his early career developing software and gaming technology end up creating a device designed to help people with muscle stiffness and recovery?

Jeff's journey took an unexpected turn when his interest in yoga, physical health, and engineering led him to explore the effects of high-frequency vibration on the human body. The two of us discuss how he went from video games to co-founding Rapid Release Therapy. 

"Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." ~ Jeff Maier

Help us bring Live Beyond the Norms to more listeners. Leave a review on iTunes and Spotify, then let us know to receive 50% off MCT oil and free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 

Resources Mentioned:

Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers - https://www.anatomytrains.com/ 

LightStim - https://lightstim.com/ 

Landmark Worldwide - https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/ 

About Jeff Maier:

Jeff Maier is an engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Rapid Release Therapy, a company developing high-frequency vibration devices for muscle recovery and soft tissue treatment. His career began in software engineering, where he worked on flight software for GPS satellites before moving into video game development. He created games for the Commodore 64 and developed an innovative surfboard controller that brought motion-based gaming to life decades ago. After discovering yoga and developing an interest in health and longevity, Jeff partnered with Dr. Stanbridge to bring Rapid Release Therapy to market. Today, he focuses on vibration technology, muscle flexibility, and helping people improve their mobility and physical well-being.

Connect with Jeff Maier:

- Website: https://www.rapidreleasetech.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapidreleasetech/ 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maierjeff/ 

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ 

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc 

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

*Disclaimer*

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

What would you do if your son suddenly stopped speaking, lost skills he'd already learned, and the doctors kept telling you everything was fine? How long would you keep asking questions?

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in monitored U.S. communities has been identified with autism, compared with 1 in 150 in 2000. Behind those numbers are families trying to understand a diagnosis and figure out what comes next. My guest today, Tracy Slepcevic, knows that experience firsthand.

When Tracy's son Noah began losing his speech and motor skills, she struggled to get doctors to take her concerns seriously. His eventual autism diagnosis led her to explore dietary changes, therapies, and biomedical interventions in search of ways to support him. Today, Noah is a young adult who works, drives, and travels independently.

“I accept my son. I accept the diagnosis. I don't accept that it's his end-all, be-all.” ~ Tracy Slepcevic

Love the show? Review us on iTunes and Spotify, tell us when it's done, and claim 50% off MCT oil with free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 

Resources Mentioned:

Warrior Mom: A Mother's Journey in Healing Her Son with Autism: https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Mom-Mothers-Journey-Healing-ebook/dp/B0BPKVGZBN 

Autism Health Inc. - https://autismhealth.com/ 

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) - https://iacc.hhs.gov/ 

Autism Speaks - https://www.autismspeaks.org/ 

Autism Society of America - https://autismsociety.org/ 

BEMER Therapy - https://life.bemergroup.com/ 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy 

About Tracy Slepcevic:

Tracy Slepcevic is a U.S. Air Force veteran, integrative nutritionist, author, and autism advocate. She is the president of Autism Health Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by autism through education, research, and community resources. She also serves on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which advises the U.S. government on autism research and policy. Tracy is the author of *Warrior Mom: A Mother's Journey in Healing Her Son with Autism*, a book inspired by her experiences raising her son, Noah, and navigating his autism diagnosis.

Connect with Tracy Slepcevic:

- Website: https://tracyslepcevic.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismauthormama 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-slepcevic/ 

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ 

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc 

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

*Disclaimer*

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Why would evolution give us something as terrifying as a panic attack? Couldn't be for no reason, right? The fear response that once helped our ancestors escape predators is still hard at work, even when there's no obvious danger.

Our brains want to keep us happy, sure. However, they're a lot more concerned with keeping us safe than satisfied. Dr. Nicole Cain joins me to explain how fear becomes a learned response and why panic can strike before we even understand what's triggered it.

This is a short excerpt from a previous episode, where Nicole and I had a much broader conversation about anxiety and mental health. Listen to the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNiWLirepE0 

“Your brain isn't concerned about your well-being. It's concerned about your safety.” ~ Dr. Nicole Cain

We appreciate everyone who takes the time to review Live Beyond the Norms. Post your review on iTunes and Spotify, let us know, and we'll thank you with 50% off MCT oil and free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 

Resources Mentioned:

Little Albert Experiment - https://www.simplypsychology.org/little-albert.html 

The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Evidence (2022) - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0 

About Dr. Nicole Cain:

Dr. Nicole Cain is a naturopathic physician, EMDR-trained psychotherapist, and author specializing in anxiety, panic disorders, and trauma. With a master's degree in clinical psychology and a background in integrative medicine, she combines conventional psychological approaches with holistic treatments to address the underlying causes of mental health challenges. She is the author of Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever and founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, Forbes, and Health, and she hosts the Holistic Inner Balance podcast.

Connect with Dr. Nicole Cain:

- Website: https://drnicolecain.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnicolecain/ 

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrNicoleCainNDMA 

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ 

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc 

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

*Disclaimer*

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Imagine waiting months for a clinical trial that could give you your life back, only to hear a doctor say they don't expect you to recover.

That's what happened to my guest, Brandy Gillmore. After a car accident and a serious fall, she spent years battling severe chronic pain, struggling to walk, and searching for treatments that might help. When the clinical trial failed to bring relief, one question about the placebo effect sent her in an entirely new direction.

Today, Brandy teaches others how to identify and change emotional patterns that she believes influence physical health. We talk about her remarkable recovery, why positive thinking alone wasn't enough, and how she uses thermal imaging to demonstrate changes in pain.

“We are so much more amazing than we realize.” ~ Brandy Gillmore

Love the show? Review us on iTunes and Spotify, tell us when it's done, and claim 50% off MCT oil with free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 

Resources Mentioned:

Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, book by Brandy Gillmore - https://brandygillmore.com/master-your-mind-book/ 

Heal Yourself. Change Your Life, podcast hosted by Brandy Gillmore - https://brandygillmore.com/podcast-episodes/ 

Brandy Gillmore's TEDx Talk, Could This Be the Missing Link to Your Health? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dEbqRYqY_0 

About Brandy Gillmore:

Brandy Gillmore is a TEDx speaker, author, and host of the Heal Yourself. Change Your Life podcast. After years of debilitating chronic pain following a car accident and a fall, she began researching the placebo effect and the relationship between emotions and physical health. Her personal recovery inspired her to develop the GIFT method, an approach focused on identifying and changing emotional patterns. She is also the author of Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, in which she shares her experiences and mind-body healing techniques.

Connect with Brandy Gillmore:

- Website: https://brandygillmore.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandygillmore 

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandyGillmore 

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ 

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ 

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc 

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

*Disclaimer*

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.