The Ready State Podcast

Welcome back to RECESS — our bi-weekly look at what we’re learning, trends we’re seeing in the health and fitness space, and how we’re building more play into real life.The fitness industry is facing its biggest shake-up yet, and it's coming from a syringe. In this episode of RECESS, we cover a lot of ground: from Caroline's high school graduation and a wild weekend of sports (Knicks championship! Water polo! World Cup!) to the questions keeping health and fitness professionals up at night.The centerpiece of this episode is a candid conversation about GLP-1, GLP-2, and the newly trialed GLP-3 drug Retatrutide — and what near-30% body weight loss results mean for the future of personal training, nutrition coaching, and the entire weight loss industry. Is weight loss about to become a purely medical intervention? And if so, what does that mean for coaches, trainers, and wellness brands like ours?We also take on a viral debate about AI-generated fitness influencers crowding out real coaches on social media, break down the data on whether women should skip college in the age of AI (spoiler: the numbers say no), and share our take on Backrooms, the buzzy horror film directed by a local kid who built the concept as a high schooler. If you've ever felt the existential dread of liminal spaces, this one's for you.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Caroline Starrett's observation that "muscles are the new skinny" might be the most important trend call in fitness right nowHow GLP-3 drug Retatrutide achieved nearly 30% average body weight loss in Phase 3 trials, and what that means compared to Ozempic and ZepBoundWhat happens to the fitness industry if weight loss becomes a purely pharmaceutical interventionThe hidden dangers of GLP-1 drugs: muscle and bone mass loss, weight regain after stopping, and the return of extreme thinness cultureWhy AI-generated fitness influencers are getting millions of views while real coaches struggle for reach, and what to do about itThe data behind college ROI for women: why the gender pay gap and VC funding stats make a compelling case for staying in schoolWhy the most successful female founders (Rent the Runway, Stitch Fix, 23andMe, Tory Burch) share one thing in commonA local director's Backrooms, worth seeing even if you hate horrorKey Highlights: (00:00) Welcome back to RECESS; Caroline's high school graduation and becoming (almost) empty nesters; the "open nest" philosophy(01:50) A massive weekend of sports: Knicks championship, Stanley Cup, World Cup, water polo tournaments, and shoutouts to Cal athletes competing in European club championships(05:35) The viral Canadian coach's Instagram post: AI-generated fitness influencers vs. real coaches, the algorithm problem, and a defense of making content that's actually fun(07:45) Why real coaches deserve your engagement: the difference between AI-driven content and educators who've spent years building free resources(11:17) College ROI debate: a prominent female entrepreneur suggests skipping college; Juliet and Kelly push back with data — 65–75% higher lifetime earnings for college grads, and the gender pay gap closes with education(16:00) Female founders and elite credentials: why the women who actually break through in VC-backed startups almost universally have top-tier degrees; notable examples and one cautionary tale(18:00) Caroline's insight: "muscles are the new skinny" — when anyone can change their body composition with a GLP drug, muscle becomes the differentiator(19:29) Breaking down the GLP-3 trial results for Retatrutide: 70+ lbs average loss, nearly 30% body weight reduction, and how it compares to GLP-1 and GLP-2 drugs(20:40) How GLP drugs are splitting the fitness industry: some coaches relieved, some threatened, and the legacy weight loss brands already pivoting(22:45) The dark side: muscle and bone mass loss, Hollywood's return to extreme thinness, and what happens when people stop taking the drugs without changing their habits(27:00) The message that still matters: muscle is your longevity organ; building a body for adventure; why GLP drugs and strength training aren't mutually exclusive(27:29) Backrooms the movie: local Marin School of the Arts alum director Kane Parsons, and why this creepy-beautiful film is worth your time even if you're not a horror fan(29:10) Wrap-up and thanks for listening

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushDid you know your oral health is directly tied to your longevity? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kenny Brown, Stanford-educated oral and maxillofacial surgeon, unpacks the shocking link between dental hygiene and overall health and wellness. Discover how bacteria in your mouth can impact your heart, brain, gut, and even reproductive system, and why gum disease could be silently affecting your body’s performance. Learn the dos and don’ts of brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning, bust common oral health myths, and explore groundbreaking innovations like the Feno Smartbrush that could revolutionize your routine. Whether it’s preventing chronic inflammation or improving systemic health, this episode is packed with actionable tips that could transform your wellness journey. Don’t miss out—your health starts here!What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy oral bacteria travel to the heart, brain, joints, and gutThe difference between brushing “daily” and brushing correctlyWhy only 3 out of 10 people brush properly — and just 1 in 10 flossWhat bleeding gums actually mean (hint: inflammation, not “brushing too hard”)The connection between gum disease and chronic illness, diabetes, heart conditions, and preterm laborWhy panoramic X-rays and cone-beam CT scans matterHow root canals can hide silent infectionsWhether oral care is improving or declining — and whyHow Zyn, vaping, and nicotine damage gum tissue and affect wellnessWhy nasal breathing and airway health matter for kids and adultsThe future of oral hygiene: AI, microbiome testing, and automated brushingChapters(00:00) - Intro(00:39) - How Often to Brush Teeth(04:10) - Mouth as Gateway to the Body(09:12) - Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques(11:39) - Importance of Flossing(13:03) - Benefits of Mouthwash(14:15) - Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush(15:34) - Teeth Whitening(17:03) - Understanding Root Canals(22:17) - Oral Health and Overall Wellness(29:40) - Hope for Non-Flossers(31:52) - Gum and Dental Health(33:55) - Effects of Mouth Breathing(38:39) - Nicotine and Oral Health Risks(44:32) - Innovations in Oral Care(47:19) - Current Trends in Oral Health(55:22) - A book for our Infinite Shelf(57:11) - Finding Dr. Kenny Brown(58:28) - The Starrett System’s Durability ChallengeSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushBehind every great movement is a trained visual system. Your eyes aren’t just for seeing — they’re tools for balance, reaction, and control. When they’re not working in sync with your brain and body, everything from focus to performance suffers.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum — a neuro-optometrist specializing in functional vision — joins Juliet and Kelly Starrett to break down how your visual system drives everything from reaction time to recovery. He explains how training the eyes and brain together can improve coordination, balance, and focus under pressure. Whether you’re coming back from a concussion or looking to level up your athletic edge, this episode will open your eyes to the hidden system behind performance.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat functional vision training is (and how it differs from standard eye exams)Why vision is a skill — not just a senseHow concussions and screen time can disrupt your visual systemThe surprising ways vision affects posture, balance, and coordinationPractical tools to improve visual endurance and reaction timeHow athletes can train their eyes like any other muscleWhy vision issues are often misdiagnosed as ADHDKey Highlights: (00:00) - Intro(01:48) - Vision Misunderstandings(05:14) - Training Eyesight Without Glasses(10:27) - Identifying Children's Vision Problems(15:44) - Causes of Reading Fatigue(18:54) - Increasing Vision Changes Trends(23:33) - Healthy Vision Training Routine(27:35) - Sponsor: Momentous(30:29) - Sponsor: LMNT(32:45) - Duration for Effective Vision Training(38:02) - Secrets to Regular Bowel Movements(44:06) - Understanding Concussions(50:30) - Getting Help for Concussions(53:20) - Functional Vision as a Competitive Advantage(56:20) - Finding Dr. BryceSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

In a world where “one-size-fits-all” health advice dominates, women are often left out of the conversation entirely. Enter Dr. Stephanie Estima — chiropractor, health strategist, and unapologetic myth-buster — who’s redefining how women think about hormones, metabolism, and longevity. Known for her bestselling book The Betty Body and her work on aligning health practices with the female cycle, Estima is helping women ditch cookie-cutter protocols and reclaim their biology as a superpower.In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Juliet and Kelly Starrett dig deep with Dr. Estima into why women need different health strategies, what biohacking gets wrong, and how to move from shame and confusion to empowerment and strength.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the first step for women's health is "the great unlearning" that they are not just "smaller men".How prolonged calorie restriction teaches the female body to conserve fat and slow metabolism.The three-pronged approach to health that balances scientific evidence, clinical experience, and patient desire.Why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign, and how to use it as a monthly hormonal report card.The biggest misconception around strength training for women (Hint: It’s the fear of "getting bulky").Why you lose strength before mass, making strength training crucial for fall risk and long-term independence.Why explosive movement, like sprinting, is the key to maintaining power and mitigating the exponential decline of speed with age.How to deprogram the fear of lifting heavy and prioritize form before load.Key Highlights(00:00) - Intro(02:15) - Why Women Need a Different Health Strategy(06:42) - The Hormonal Cycle Explained(13:10) - Fasting, Keto & Carbs for Women(21:25) - Stress, Cortisol & Female Metabolism(29:48) - The Truth About Sleep as a Biohack(35:22) - Why Lifting Heavy is Non-Negotiable(42:50) - The Problem with Male-Dominated Biohacking Protocols(49:36) - Using Hormones as Feedback, Not Enemies(55:44) - Practical Nutrition Tips for Each Phase of the Cycle(01:03:20) - Turning Confusion into Empowerment(01:09:55) - Longevity Strategies for Women(01:15:18) - Q&A: Busting Common Myths(01:22:40) - Final Thoughts from Kelly & JulietSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by LMNT and Momentous.

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushFeeling tired after meals, battling brain fog, or wondering why your gut health feels off? Dr. Amy Shah — a double board-certified physician, nutrition expert, and bestselling author — reveals how your microbiome holds the key to energy, mood, and long-term wellness. In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, she breaks down the hidden impact of ultra-processed foods, the surprising role of microbes and dirt in childhood, and why circadian rhythms matter as much as diet. From understanding the “energy trifecta” to mastering her 30/30/3 rule, Dr. Shah shares simple, science-backed steps that make gut health practical and powerful. Tune in for clear, actionable insights to help you eat smarter, sleep better, and feel truly energized every day.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy ultra-processed foods confuse your brain and immune systemHow dirt, animals, and early exposure shape a child’s microbiomeThe truth about fermented foods — and which ones actually workWhat Dr. Shah calls the “energy trifecta” for boosting mood and focusWhy most Americans aren’t getting nearly enough fiberHow circadian rhythms (and when you eat) impact gut healthA simple 30/30/3 rule to reframe your daily nutritionKey Highlights: (00:00) - Preview(01:06) - Intro(02:00) - Dr. Amy Shah’s Journey(08:58) - Ultra-Processed Foods(11:48) - Gut and Immune System Connection(18:15) - Benefits of Fermented Foods(21:21) - Energy Trifecta Explained(25:20) - Gut-Brain Connection Insights(31:51) - Momentous: Importance of Vitamin D(34:41) - LMNT: Benefits of Salty Morning(38:45) - Importance of Fiber in Diet(42:33) - Hunger, Appetite, and Cravings Explained(46:53) - Role of Circadian Rhythms(53:13) - Understanding Appetite(56:24) - Skin Health and Nutrition(1:00:50) - Food Allergies Overview(1:06:08) - Current Trends: Megan's Insights(1:08:23) - Benefits of Circadian Fasting(1:09:44) - Where to Find Dr. Shah(1:10:16) - Dr. Shah's BooksSponsorsThis episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Momentous, and LMNT.