In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Jack Farlow, who is making waves as a competitor in the sport of fitness. We talked about Jack’s journey from the early days of finding fitness to his first CrossFit Games appearance as a teen in 2019. Jack talked about his training methods, nutrition, recovery, and mindset. We also chatted about how he is able to balance his training schedule and keep up with one of the most challenging and demanding undergraduate programs in the country. 

Growing up, Jack Farlow played all kinds of sports including lacrosse, football, soccer, and baseball but had a true passion for hockey. In 2015, he found the competitive side of CrossFit. Within a couple of years, his passion for the sport outgrew his love for hockey. Since then, he has competed globally including the CrossFit Games in 2019 where Jack took home a 6th place finish in the teen division. Jack is currently training to join the world’s fittest and qualify for the CrossFit Games as an adult. Earlier this year, Jack was featured in the Morning Chalk Up as one of the Sports Young Guns to watch out for in the 2022 CrossFit Games season. Clearly his future as an athlete is very bright. 

You can find more about Jack Farlow on Instagram.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:13 — 18.1MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with mental performance specialist, Alex Hodgins. We talked about the practical aspects of cognitive behaviour therapy, dealing with high pressure situations, and the impact of sleep on cognitive performance. Alex described the tools he applies to help his clients find positivity and prepare for success.

Alex Hodgins is a Mental Performance Consultant helping athletes and organizations optimize their training performance training. He earned his master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2015 where he specialized in leadership and culture development, as well as individual and team performance. He previously worked as the mental performance coach for Canada’s Women’s Soccer Team, which won bronze in 2016 and gold in 2020 at the Olympic Games. Over the years, he has supported athletes in reaching the podium at prestigious competitions such as the 2015 PanAm Games and the 2016 Olympic Games. Currently, he is the mental health consultant of the Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Employing cutting-edge approaches such as biofeedback, mindfulness, and pressure management strategies, Alex’s calm temperament, and natural teaching abilities have empowered some of the world’s most outstanding athletes to achieve consistent results in the most challenging scenarios.

To learn about Alex and his team of mental performance specialists, check out Kambio Performance.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:23 — 30.1MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy,  I sat down with 2-time Olympic Pole Vaulter, Anicka Newell, as we chatted about different training regimens in her preparation for the Olympics. Anicka dissected the pole vault movement itself and the specific skill that goes into the jump. We also talked about the key nutrition, recovery and mental strategies in advancing towards peak athletic performance.

Getting into the sport, Anicka Newell started pole vaulting at age 16. After graduating from Texas State University in 2016 with a major in Exercise Sports Science, she made her Olympic debut at Rio in the same year finishing second at the Canadian Championships. She set her personal best at 4.65m in June 2017 at a meet at her alumni stadium in San Marcos, Texas, making her the number two Canadian woman all-time. She repeated as the runner-up at the Canadian Championships before making the final in her debut at the World Athletics Championships.

In early 2018, Newell finished seventh at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. She went on to win her first national title. In January 2021, she set a new indoor personal best of 4.70m at a meet in Texas. Outdoors, she recorded a season-high 4.60m in May. In her second Olympic appearance at Tokyo 2020, she advanced to the 15-woman finals. Anicka now works as a coach and personal trainer in Elite Sportz SA. Outside of her sport, she enjoys being near the water and wakeboarding.

You can find Anicka on Instagram @flygirl93.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:46 — 25.9MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Justin Cotler, who coaches a range of high level athletes, including CrossFit Games Athletes Bethany Shadburne, Danielle Brandon, and podium finisher Kari Pearce. Justin and I talked about programming, health, and injury prevention. He outlined how he helps maximize his athletes’ short-term and long-term performance. 

Justin Cotler is the Founder, Head Coach, and Head Programmer of Underdogs Athletics and is currently the USAFF (United States Functional Fitness) National Team Head Coach. He is also the owner of CrossFit Dynamix in Queens, New York which has been thriving for more than a decade. He has coached multiple CrossFit Games teams and individuals over the last 10 years. He was also the head coach of the 2x NPGL champion DC Brawlers and was the 2014 Grid League Coach of the Year. 

You can learn more about Justin and his coaching services at Underdogs Athletics. 

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:38 — 39.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with 7-time CrossFit Games Athlete and 4-time podium finisher Dr. Patrick Vellner. Pat discussed how he balances clinical work, training, and education. We chatted about his journey from a gymnast and lacrosse player to becoming a professional athlete in the sport of CrossFit. Pat outlined his approach to his training, key lessons he’s learned over the years, his personal CrossFit Games highlights, and his approach to managing and preventing injuries.

Dr. Patrick Vellner earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McGill University and then completed a Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Since 2015, he has been competing in the CrossFit Games, where he has qualified for 7 consecutive years, finishing on the podium four years times, with third-place finishes in 2016 and 2017, and second place finishes in 2018 and 2021. He is current reigning 2nd Fittest Man on Earth.

In addition to being one of the fittest people on the planet, Patrick is also a licensed chiropractor. Clinically, he is constantly seeking new innovative tools to help people feel better so they can live healthier for longer.

You can follow Pat via Instagram @pvellner

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:57 — 39.8MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with CrossFit Games Coach Caroline Lambray. We started our discussion with Caroline’s athletic background and what lead her into coaching. During our conversation, she laid out the steps for how she helps her athletes realize their full fitness potential. We discussed everything from warmups and training to nutrition and recovery. 

Caroline completed her undergrad degree from University of McGill, where she competed as a collegiate cheerleader and rower. She has been training athletes since 2011 and she has been coaching CrossFit since 2013. Over that stretch she has helped hundreds of athletes improve their fitness. Caroline has worked with some high level athletes, including 3-time CrossFit Games competitor Jeff Adler.

You can find more about Caroline via Instagram @lambrayliving or her gym website: crossfitwonderland.com

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:18 — 47.4MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Stephan Poulter on some powerful strategies for emotional management and mental healing. We talked about the theme of mental health and wellness, the strategies to help cope with the stresses of life, improving cognition, and developing authentic self-confidence. Stephan outlined a series of strategies for assessing your emotional well-being and finding emotional harmony. He also provided some great practical tips for reaching a meditative parasympathetic state to improve mental wellness and function.

Dr. Stephan Poulter is a renowned licensed clinical family psychologist in private practice with over thirty years of experience specializing in family relationships and mental health. His professional directive has always been to help diagnose, treat and strengthen relationships. He has worked with hundreds of families in a variety of social, spiritual, and psychological settings. Dr. Poulter is also a public speaker and has authored seven books such as “The Shame Factor”, “The Father Factor”, “The Mother Factor”, “Your Ex-Factor”, “The Art of Successful Failure” and “Father Your Son”.

You can find more about Dr. Stephan on his website.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:53 — 25.1MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with 2-time CrossFit Games competitor Paul Tremblay. We talked about his athletic background and how he got started in competing and reaching elite levels of performance in strength and conditioning. As a member of the CrossFit seminar staff, Paul talked about recent personnel and visionary changes to the business and how he sees things looking for CrossFit in future years.

Paul is one of the few personalities within CrossFit space who has worn many hats as he has. He began his career in finance after earning a business degree, but he later left to pursue training and coaching. After completing his Level 1 CrossFit Certification, he then co-founded CrossFit NCR with two of his business partners in 2013. Paul is a multiyear competitor in the CrossFit Games. He participated in the team competition in 2012 and became an individual competitor in 2014. He also represented Team Canada at the CrossFit Invitational in 2014 and competed at the CrossFit Regionals from 2012 to 2018. Since 2015, he’s been a member of CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff and a member of the CrossFit Games demo team for five years. Currently, he was recently named as the Country manager for Canada for CrossFit.

You can find more about Paul on his website at CrossFit NCR.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:00 — 29.8MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Elite CrossFit Athlete Freya Moosbrugger. Freya discussed her journey from beginner to a professional in the sport of fitness. She talked about her struggles to get her first pullup and how her training has evolved to where is now.

Freya is currently the reigning 54th fittest woman in the world and 8th in Canada. She recently competed against some of the fittest athletes in the world at Wodapalooza where she finished 10th place for her first public competition. Freya talked about that experience and how it has already made her a better athlete. We talked about her training and recovery methods for developing truly elite fitness. We also discussed her nutrition intake in achieving optimal world-class mental and physical performance.

To learn more about Freya and her CrossFit journey, you can follow her on Instagram @freyamoosbrugger

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:34 — 18.4MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Dr. Liza Egbogah, who is a chiropractor, osteopath, and an expert in foot mechanics and gait. We chatted about common mechanisms for pain and dysfunction related to the feet. Dr. Liza outlined some amazing insight for finding the right shoe that not only functions well, but also look good. We discussed what you should consider when picking out a pair or shoes for work or running. She also talked about how her footwear designs at earned her an appearance on the hit CBC TV Show, the Dragon’s Den.

Dr. Liza is one of North America’s leading body + posture experts, a myofascial release practitioner, manual osteopath, chiropractor, prominent media expert, and entrepreneur. Holding a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, she graduated with Summa Cum Laude and clinic honors, a diploma in osteopathic manual practice, and a Pharmacology degree with distinction from the University of Alberta. She is also a certified personal trainer and a member of Harvard’s postgraduate organization.

Believing in a holistic approach to health, her work is well-known for exceeding patients’ expectations of care by employing innovative and individualized treatment protocols that include adjustments, massage, mobilizations, myofascial release techniques, electrotherapeutic modalities, exercise/stretch prescription, lifestyle counseling, postural assessment, and custom orthotic therapy.

Along with her extensive experience consulting senior executives, celebrities, professional athletes, and political leaders on health matters, Dr. Liza is also the founder and designer of chiropractor approved shoe line and ergonomic bag collection, dr. Liza shoes and is currently the Clinic Director of the[fix].

You can find more about Dr. Liza’s services on her website.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:03 — 29.8MB)

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