Welcome back, rebels!

Are you exhausted by conflicting wellness advice from influencers who seem more interested in selling than healing? Ready to rebel against an industry where "expertise" can literally be purchased for the right price?

Then this conversation with Sandy Kruse will validate everything you've suspected about the wellness world - and empower you to trust yourself instead of the latest guru.

• The shocking reality of bought expertise - How some wellness "experts" pay $30,000+ to be featured in high profile media as authorities
• Sandy's incredible personal journey - From three family health crises in three years to becoming a holistic nutritionist at 46
• Why following expert advice backfired - How Sandy became insulin resistant while doing intermittent fasting recommended by authorities
• The authenticity crisis in wellness - Podcasters charging guests money, bought followers, and hidden financial motivations
• How to spot fake vs. authentic wellness voices - Practical questions to separate genuine guidance from paid promotion
• The power of inner wisdom - Why trusting yourself trumps any external expert every time
• Practical health navigation - Building your own team of practitioners and using discernment in research

Sandy Kruse: "Once again, it's like you need to have these, whether it is even some practitioners that are online that you know and trust are good. Having a physician that's your best health advocate that wants the best for you... it's like you have your team, right? That know you."

Sandy Kruse: "I became insulin resistant while I was doing 16:8 listening to one of the experts... So I'm like, no, I'm living proof because my HbA1c went up to 6.1 while I was doing that. And so what I was doing was I was listening to an expert, not listening to my body."

Gregory Anne: "And I think we downplay our own inner wisdom. We as a collective group of women at any age, and if we had never been good at trusting ourselves before, by the time we're 50, 60, now, we're really like... you just gotta clear out all that noise and really give it a chance, right? Give your own inner wisdom a chance to come out."

Sandy Kruse: "The biggest blocker of that inner wisdom is... fear. So I've been there before where you're scared shitless because you just got a diagnosis... and fear can really blur that inner wisdom and what feels right... but then also never being quiet."

While the industry promotes expensive protocols and one-size-fits-all solutions, the real path to health lies in developing discernment, curating a team of trusted professionals, and trusting your own body's wisdom. Sandy's journey from health crisis to holistic nutrition expertise proves that authentic healing happens when you combine knowledge with intuition, not blind obedience to authorities.

✓ Rebels overwhelmed by conflicting wellness advice

✓ Women who've tried every expert protocol without lasting success

✓ Anyone suspicious about the wellness industry's true motives

✓ People ready to trust their inner wisdom over external "experts"

✓ Those dealing with thyroid issues or health practitioner challenges

✓ Anyone wanting to separate authentic guidance from clever marketing

Sometimes the most rebellious thing we can do is refuse to outsource our health decisions to influencers who may...

Are you tired of accepting that vision problems, learning struggles, or cognitive decline are just "part of life"?Ready to rebel against the idea that your brain can't learn new tricks at any age? Then this episode is going to blow your mind!

Today's guest, Dr. Dana Dean, is here to challenge everything you think you know about vision - and rebels, this goes WAY beyond needing glasses. We're talking about a complete paradigm shift in how your brain processes information, learns new skills, and reaches its full potential.

🔥 The rebellious truth about vision: It's learned - which means it can be retrained and optimized throughout your entire life

🧠 Why 75% of all sensory input is vision - and how nobody teaches us to handle this massive information stream properly

💥 How 2 in 4 children have undiagnosed vision-related learning issues that often get mislabeled as ADHD or other conditions

⚡ The real story behind stroke recovery: How patients can rewire neural pathways through vision training when traditional therapy plateaus

🎯 Visual memory vs. rote memorization - the game-changing difference that transforms how you learn and remember

🚀 Why primitive reflexes matter for adults - and how something as simple as crawling can unlock better cognitive function

✨ The connection between C-sections and learning difficulties - plus how to address these challenges at any age

Here's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: Vision is learned. While conventional wisdom says you're stuck with the vision you're born with (plus whatever glasses can fix), the research shows something completely different.

Dr. Dean reveals how vision training can help:

• Stroke patients regain cognitive function faster than traditional therapies
• Children with learning struggles overcome challenges without medication
• Adults experiencing vision changes retrain their depth perception and visual processing
• Anyone feeling cognitively overwhelmed learn to efficiently process the 75% of sensory input that comes through vision

This isn't just another wellness trend - it's a paradigm shift in understanding human potential.

From struggling student to vision revolutionary, Dr. Dean's personal story proves that limitations don't have to be permanent. After being a straight-A student in South Africa, she hit a wall in later years of school, barely made it through college, and then failed her optometry boards three times.

The turning point? Discovering vision training. After just six months of working on her own vision intelligence, she retook the boards and scored nearly perfect. That experience transformed not just her career, but her entire mission to help others break free from unnecessary limitations.

Are you tired of knee pain dictating what you can and can't do? Ready to rebel against the idea that chronic pain is just something you have to live with? Then this episode is for you.

I'm sitting down with two absolute game-changers in the world of knee pain relief: Tom Andriacchi (Emeritus Professor at Stanford and 50-year veteran of knee pain research) and Jenny Hledik (former marathoner turned biomedical engineer). Together, they've created something revolutionary called KNEEMO - and the testimonials are incredible.

And Tom and Jenny have generously offered a 20% discount with code WELLNESS20 applied in the cart.

🧠 The Science That Changes Everything

• How the "gate control theory" allows vibration to literally block pain signals from reaching your brain
• Why staying active is actually BETTER for your joints than "protecting" them
• The surprising connection between knee pain, obesity, and the sedentary lifestyle trap

⚡ KNEEMO: Smart Technology That Actually Works

• Motion-sensing bands that know exactly when to apply vibration during your movement
• Real-time adaptation whether you're walking, jogging, playing pickleball, or climbing stairs
• How this isn't just pain relief - it's functional improvement

💪 The Results That Matter

• Immediate improvements in quadriceps muscle function
• Enhanced proprioception (your body's sense of where it is in space)
• Better stair navigation and balance - no more fear of falling!
• Post-surgery success stories that will give you hope

"We wanted to apply our expertise to working on things that help people, especially people that were suffering with pain."- Tom Andriacchi

"You should stay moving to support your joint health. That helps to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility." - Jenny Hledik

"We saw drastic improvements... for the naked eye, you see them struggling and then when they were wearing KNEEMO... they were better able to get their motion under control." - Jenny Hledik

✅ Anyone dealing with knee osteoarthritis

✅ Post-knee replacement patients still experiencing pain

✅ Athletes with ACL or meniscus tears

✅ Active adults who want to stay that way

✅ People afraid of losing their balance or mobility

✅ Anyone looking for non-invasive pain solutions

✅ Physical therapy patients struggling with pain compliance

Here's what the medical establishment doesn't always tell you: movement is medicine. While conventional wisdom says "rest and protect," the research shows that strategic, supported activity is what your joints actually crave.

Tom and Jenny aren't just selling a device - they're challenging the entire paradigm of how we think about pain management. Instead of masking symptoms, they're addressing the root functional issues that keep us trapped in cycles of pain and inactivity.

Tom revealed they're working on applications for back pain, shoulders, elbows, and ankles using the same revolutionary technology. The future of pain management isn't in a pill bottle - it's in smart, responsive technology that works WITH your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Ready to rebel against knee pain?

Learn more about KNEEMO:

This episode is full of the kind of advice I want to bring you more of. You, if you are, like me, swimming in an ocean of anti-aging, pre-aging, longevity suggestions. Supplements, protocols, diets, the hot new exercises--wondering how to make sense of it all. And, what's worth our investment?

I discovered Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, orthopedic specialist turned longevity expert, while researching spermidine. If not for her thoughtful guidance on how to take this "it" anti-aging supplement, I'd be pill popping to my detriment.

With 30 years of experience in sports and spine medicine, Dr. Yurth shares how she transitioned from simply "patching people together" to pioneering cellular medicine approaches that help people truly heal.

And she did this all while raising 5 children!

• The truth about joint degeneration: it's not inevitable wear and tear but an inflammatory disease process that can be addressed
• How our most critical cellular components (like NAD and spermadine) decline with age and the smart way to approach supplementation
• Why plugging the "leaky bucket" matters more than just pouring in more supplements
• The science behind regenerative therapies including exosomes, stem cells, and peptides
• The surprising top three predictors of longevity (hint: they have nothing to do with supplements!)

• Dr. Yurth explains why blindly taking NAD supplements can actually create problems without addressing the root cause
• The revolutionary approach to joint health that challenges the "joints just wear out" mentality
• Why your own stem cells might not be the best option as you age
• The three most powerful predictors of longevity that most people ignore

Dr. Yurth's Human Optimization Academy empowers people to become their own health advocates by teaching them to understand their lab results and the science behind longevity interventions.

Connect with Dr. Yurth:

• Website: boulerlongevity.com
• Academy: bli.academy

Stay rebellious, and I'll be back next week with another fascinating guest who's challenging the status quo in aging well!

And if you like this kind of information, check out my past episodes at RebelliousWellnessOver50.com/podcast

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, host Gregory Anne Cox speaks with Brea Johnson, founder of Heart and Bones Yoga. Brea shares her journey from traditional yoga instructor to creating a more inclusive, anatomy-informed approach to yoga that works for all body types.

Brea's online, global community and class portal offers over 400 different classes, guided meditations, and live classes once a month.

• Brea has been teaching yoga since 2003 and experienced what she calls a "yoga existential crisis" about 10 years into her teaching career
• Heart and Bones Yoga combines biomechanics and anatomy knowledge with traditional yoga practices
• The approach focuses on building strength rather than just flexibility
• Props are celebrated and encouraged for everyone, not just as modifications for those who "can't do" a pose
• Classes are organized by body focus (hips, thoracic spine, etc.) and energy level (relaxing, easygoing, energizing) rather than beginner/intermediate/advanced
• Online format makes yoga more accessible with shorter class options (10-20 minutes)
• The anatomy-informed approach acts as a "great equalizer" that works for different body types
• Heart and Bones offers an online yoga teacher training program
• Their approach includes strength training options with weights for bone health

"Move with love. Move your body with love, move with love with your community and your people. What is moving with love for you? And maybe do more of that."

I'm a big fan of yoga in its many variations and have interviewed yogis of many different persuasions. Yogi Aaron, for instance, insists we stretch too much and to our detriment. Kathy White has developed a type of asana that renews aging joints.

The key is to find what works for you. Brea's no-pressure-to-be-bendy, work with the body you have and the way it feels when you arrive at the mat feels like a great place to start a practice or keep one going if the old way is no longer working.

• Website: heartandbonesyoga.com
• Online yoga membership with 400+ classes
• Teacher training program available
• Upcoming Tuscany yoga retreat
• Free 7-day Trial

This episode highlights the importance of inclusivity in wellness practices and finding movement that truly feels good for your unique body.

This episode is one I hope many women will listen to for hints that they might have one or two of the genes responsible for this blood disorder. Why? Hemochromatosis can silently rob you of your health. You can also spend years trying to manage or rid yourself of symptoms that sound like so many others. I know firsthand, but was lucky to have a doctor 20 years ago who decided to test my iron levels when nothing worked to relieve my fatigue and joint pain.

The levels were high so he ordered the genetic test to confirm and bingo, heterozygous or two genes worth of the "Celtic Curse" as it's sometimes called because I was so happy to come across naturopathic doctor Eric Lewis about hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food.

Dr. Lewis explains that hemochromatosis is a "genetic metabolic disorder of excessive iron absorption from our meals" that affects approximately 1 in 9 people of Northwestern European ancestry (with one gene variation) and about 1 in 200-250 people (with two gene variations).

The conversation covers:

• Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia
• Why women often discover the condition after menopause
• The potential health consequences of untreated iron overload include arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, and heart problems
• A possible link to an always-on parasympathetic nervous system
• How therapeutic phlebotomy (blood donation) helps manage the condition
• Dietary strategies to reduce iron absorption, including which foods inhibit or enhance iron uptake
• Surprising facts about spinach, red wine, and other foods that affect iron levels
• Resources available at hemochromatosishelp.com include newsletters, books and a cookbook by Dr. Lewis and his wife

"When you look out over the years, the decades, over a lifetime, it can start to accumulate and can lead to iron overload, where the storage of iron in your body exceeds what is normal. And this can lead to problems." - Dr. Eric Lewis

Dr. Lewis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through proper blood testing and explains how this common genetic condition is often underdiagnosed or misattributed to other causes. People with hemochromatosis can effectively manage their iron levels and prevent serious complications with proper management through phlebotomy, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes.

Their website is hemachromatosishelp.com.

Check out their library of information on all things iron overload.

Meanwhile, if you fit the profile and have some of the symptoms mentioned, tell your doctor you want a full iron panel that includes ferritin, TIBC, and Transferrin. Dr. Lewis offers lab services.

If your serum transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels are high, a doctor will likely order gene testing.

I was able to manage my levels for a long time with just phlebotomy every two months, but got off track, so I am now going once per month to get back to baseline. My symptoms start to show up when I'm not diligent; for me, it's high blood pressure, joint pain, and erratic sleep. I will now be better at staying on schedule, as enduring that big needle more than needed is something I will not miss.

In this episode we're delving into a game-changing workout approach that might sound intimidating but is actually revolutionary for women over midlife.

I was so taken by the idea that I signed up for the foundational program right after I got done with the interview. It's been a month now and I love this program! My arms are taking shape and my core is getting stronger. I asked Ashley if I could have a special deal for my rebellious listeners and she said "Sure because my goal is to get this to as many women as possible."

Read about the program here. If you are interested in giving it a try use code REBEL50 at checkout and you'll save $50! If you have questions about the program or which level to pick, book a 20 minute call with me here.

My guest Ashley Selman brings 30 years of expert training experience (recognized as a top 100 trainer by Men's Health and top 10 in the Bay Area) to share how Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training can transform your fitness journey with minimal joint stress and maximum results.

What We Cover:

• Why muscle loss is such a critical issue for women over 40 and why traditional advice fails us
• Ashley's personal journey from hip replacement at 43 to finding BFR as her solution after years of struggling
• How BFR training increases human growth hormone naturally (which plummets during menopause alongside estrogen)
• The shocking truth about GLP-1 medications and muscle loss (hint: about 40% of weight loss is muscle!)
• Why lifting light weights with BFR bands creates muscle growth that would be impossible otherwise
• The unexpected benefits including better sleep, improved metabolism, enhanced brain function, and greater vascular flexibility
• How BFR can help protect your muscle while losing weight

BFR isn't just another fitness fad – it's backed by decades of science and widely used in physical therapy and with elite athletes. The difference is that now it's accessible for everyday women who want strength without killing themselves in the gym.

Ashley's program makes this unique training method approachable with virtual coaching that includes personalized guidance, specialized bands designed by a cardiologist (much safer than cheap versions), and workouts that take just 20 - 25 minutes while using 3-5 pound weights. As you get stronger you''ll want to use heavier weights but never more than 10 pounds.

The best part? No soreness, no intimidation, and quick results – making it perfect for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who want to reclaim their strength without the stress.

Visit SELIstrength.com to learn more about Ashley's program and see how women of all ages are transforming their bodies and health with this revolutionary approach.

And again, if you want to join the program at anytime use code REBEL50 at checkout to save $50. Start on this page to learn more.

Before I dive in, if you enjoy this kind of podcast, head over to RebelliousWellnessOver50.com for 2 years worth of goodness. I rebranded but didn't change my rebellious intention to help us all live fully so we can age better.

In this episode of Rebellious Wellness Lifestyle, host Greg speaks with Shannon Jamail, owner of a retreat center in Austin, Texas, that offers unique transformative experiences with the help of her four-legged assistants—horses.

• Shannon's background includes corporate sales and mental health therapy before transitioning to hosting retreats
• Her retreat center in Austin features seven horses (plus one mini) that free-range on 46 acres
• Shannon's signature retreat "Wine and Unwind" offers women a chance to disconnect from daily stressors in an elevated camp-like experience
• She also teaches entrepreneurs how to successfully launch and run their own retreats

Shannon discovered the transformative power of horses after bringing them to the ranch for her family. This led to incorporating them into her retreat offerings:

Guests can interact with horses at different comfort levels—from casual interactions as they roam freely to trail rides, equine yoga sessions, and deeper equine coaching experiences.

For entrepreneurs interested in hosting retreats, Shannon shares essential advice:

• Be prepared to dedicate time and resources—retreats aren't a "set it and forget it" business

• Create a clear "retreat promise" that addresses specific pain points and delivers solutions
• Do market research and attend other retreats before hosting your own
• Develop a comprehensive budget that includes your desired profit margin
• Have proper legal documentation (waivers) in place before collecting any money

"The budgeting is so important... It's not a hobby. It's a business and it can be a very lucrative business for everyone, your guest and you."

Shannon emphasizes that virtually any passion or expertise can become the foundation for a successful retreat—from crocheting to plant medicine to art workshops.

For potential retreat-goers who might be nervous about attending, Shannon encourages an open mind and heart:

For entrepreneurs considering hosting retreats, she acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the rewards are worth it—creating deep connections and lifelong customers through these transformative experiences.

To learn more, visit mindbodycomplete.com for retreat information or theretreatleaderplaybook.com for resources on hosting your own retreats.