Today, we have a truly remarkable guest: Matthew Mattera—a retired Naval officer, inspirational writer, and motivational speaker. Matthew's life has been profoundly shaped by personal tragedy; he has lost six family members to suicide, including his father and his 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

In his memoir, Hope: My Journey of Love, Loss, and Faith, Matthew provides a raw and unflinching perspective on suicide and its ripple effects.

Together with his wife, Erica, Matthew established the Elizabeth Mattera Foundation in honor of their late daughter. The foundation's mission is to prevent suicide through training and workshops, delivering hope, saving lives, and ending suicide.

In this episode, Matthew shares his journey of love, loss, and faith, and discusses how individuals can curate their 'informational diet' to foster a more positive and hopeful mindset. He also explores the role of faith in navigating personal tragedies and his mission to help others.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that underscores the importance of mental health advocacy and the power of hope.

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

In this episode of the Crackin' Backs podcast, we are honored to host Dr. Courtney Conley, a renowned expert in foot and gait mechanics. As the founder of Gait Happens, Dr. Conley has dedicated over 25 years to helping individuals reclaim optimal foot function. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and dual Bachelor's degrees in Kinesiology and Human Biology. Her extensive clinical experience includes working with professional athletes from teams such as the Phoenix Suns, New York Yankees, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Conley delves into the critical role of foot health in overall well-being and longevity. She discusses how various footwear choices can significantly alter gait biomechanics, potentially leading to musculoskeletal issues. With the plethora of footwear options available today—from minimalist shoes to highly cushioned models—Dr. Conley offers guidance on selecting footwear that promotes optimal gait and musculoskeletal health.

The discussion also explores historical changes in footwear design and their influence on modern foot ailments, providing lessons from past practices to inform current choices. Dr. Conley shares her expertise on identifying suitable running shoes amidst ever-changing information and addresses the prevalence of Achilles injuries, particularly in relation to cleats and ballet shoes, which can be detrimental to foot mechanics.

Additionally, Dr. Conley examines the practices of taping ankles and feet, known as spatting, and offers practical advice on strengthening exercises for the feet and ankles that listeners can implement immediately. She provides her perspective on the growing trend of barefoot walking, weighing its potential benefits against the risks of injuries and infections. Drawing from various cultural practices, she offers insights into optimal foot function and health.

The conversation also touches on the use of toe spacers as a tool for addressing foot alignment issues. Dr. Conley evaluates their effectiveness and discusses whether they are a valuable tool or merely a passing trend.

For more information on Dr. Courtney Conley and her work, visit Gait Happens. To schedule a consultation or learn more about her clinical practice, contact Total Health Solutions in Lakewood, Colorado.

Tune in to this episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of foot health and its profound impact on your overall well-being.

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

Guardian Grains: Order Here

Erin Brockovich is back, and she’s bringing her unyielding passion for justice to tackle some of the most urgent issues facing our environment today. Known for her relentless advocacy and groundbreaking work exposing water contamination in Hinkley, California, Erin has proven time and again that one person can make a change.

In this episode, Erin shares her insights on whether the government is finally listening to the voices demanding clean water and highlights powerful grassroots strategies from her book, Superman’s Not Coming. Discover how communities across the country are taking matters into their own hands to combat water contamination and what you can do to replicate their success.

We also discuss her latest project, the critically acclaimed documentary Unearth, which delves into the devastating impacts of mining on Alaska’s Bristol Bay. Erin draws striking parallels between these battles and her previous advocacy work, offering lessons on resilience, community action, and the power of persistence.

With unregulated contaminants like PFAS invading our water supply, Erin provides actionable advice for protecting your health at home and on the go, from choosing the right water filters to smart travel tips. Plus, she shares unexpected insights into the Wizard of Oz, revealing what this classic tale can teach us about self-reliance and believing in your ability to create change.

Don’t miss this inspiring and informative conversation. Learn more about Erin Brockovich’s work, access her resources, and join the movement for cleaner water by visiting her official website. Get your copy of Superman’s Not Coming and watch Unearth to understand the stakes and solutions behind today’s water crisis. It’s time to take action—because Superman isn’t coming, but you can be the hero we need.

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