#144 The Problem With Perfect Posture

Shoulders back. Chest up. Sit up straight. Sound familiar?We've been told for years that good posture means maintaining one perfect position, but is that really what our bodies need?In this episode of Becca Babbles, I am challenging the idea of perfect posture and talking about why movement variability, strength, and mobility may be more important than constantly trying to hold ourselves in one position.We'll explore why anterior pelvic tilt isn't automatically a bad thing, why sitting isn't the enemy, and why standing desks and walking pads aren't necessarily the complete answer to our movement problems. We'll also break down the relationship between your diaphragm, rib cage, pelvic floor, and core, and how breathing and pressure management contribute to the way we move and stabilize our bodies.Most importantly, I will talk about why you should stop obsessing over what your posture looks like and start focusing on what your body is capable of doing. And strategies to use to indirectly create that "perfect" posture.Because the goal isn't to have a body that can hold one perfect position. It's to have a body that can move, adapt, and handle whatever life throws its way.Let's rethink posture and get moving!Connect with Dr. Becca, DCInstagram: @dr.beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

Functional medicine is everywhere right now, but what does it actually mean? And is it really about finding the root cause of your symptoms, or has it become another way to sell you a bunch of supplements?In this episode of Becca Babbles, I'm breaking down what functional medicine actually is, how it differs from simply chasing symptoms, and why understanding your health story matters.As a chiropractor with a master's in functional nutrition, I'm sharing my perspective on looking beyond individual symptoms to explore the bigger picture of health. We'll talk about how your genetics, environment, lifestyle, and past experiences may influence your health over time, along with the role of the Functional Medicine Matrix, antecedents, triggers, and mediators.We'll also discuss why lab testing and supplements can be useful tools without being the answer to everything, how to recognize patterns in your health, and why small, realistic lifestyle changes can be a great place to start.Most importantly, this is a conversation about getting curious about your health without feeling like you need to do everything perfectly or chase every new wellness trend.Because understanding your health shouldn't leave you more confused. It should help you ask better questions, make informed decisions, and find a path forward that makes sense for you.So grab your tea or coffee, get comfortable, and let's babble!Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your personal health concerns.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @dr.beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!

Fitness is supposed to support your life, not swallow it whole.Have you ever felt guilty for missing a workout, felt like you had to follow the latest fitness routine on social media, or started tying your worth to how your body looked or how much you could accomplish in the gym?In this episode, I am talking about how fitness became a huge part of my identity and how that mindset followed me from high school basketball into chiropractic school, internships, traveling, and the busyness of everyday life.I am sharing what I have learned about the difference between being committed to fitness and letting fitness consume you. More workouts, more steps, more intensity, and more discipline do not automatically mean you are becoming healthier.Instead, sometimes getting healthier means learning how to fuel your body, prioritize recovery, adjust your workouts, and recognize that you cannot operate at full capacity in every area of your life at the same time.I am talking about redefining progress, letting go of the pressure to constantly do more, and learning how to make fitness fit into the season of life I am actually living.In this episode00:00 Why fitness should not take over your life00:53 When workouts became tied to identity and self worth04:33 How chiropractic school challenged my fitness habits08:16 Rethinking progress, recovery, and fueling my body13:10 Making room for school, work, relationships, and everything else in life17:31 Learning to adapt my workouts during internship and travel28:10 Why maintenance can still be progress32:28 Accepting that I cannot do everything at full capacity35:11 My personal definition of health and fitness37:40 Using fitness to support the life I actually want to live40:26 Questions to reflect on after listeningIf fitness has started to feel like a full time job, this conversation is your reminder that movement can change with the season you are in.Your routine does not have to look like anyone else’s. You do not have to earn your food, make every workout count, or constantly chase the next level of fitness.Fitness should give you more freedom to live your life, not take you away from it.Connect with Dr. Becca DCInstagram: @dr.beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

Healthy aging doesn't start at menopause...it starts with the choices you make today.When most people think about preparing for menopause, they picture hormone therapy, hot flashes, or supplements. But what if the foundation for a healthier menopause is built decades before those symptoms ever begin?In this episode of Becca Babbles Podcast, I shares one of the biggest takeaways from her graduate research in Functional Nutrition, a question that completely changed the way she thinks about women's health:Could the way we fuel (or under-fuel) our bodies during our reproductive years influence how we experience menopause later in life?Drawing from the latest research on low energy availability (LEA), Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, I explores why healthy aging is about much more than calories or the number on the scale. She explains how nutrition, movement, stress, sleep, and muscle mass work together to build what she calls physiological resilience. The body's ability to adapt to life's biggest transitions.In this episode, you'll learn:Why healthy aging begins long before menopause.What low energy availability is and why it affects far more than your menstrual cycle.How chronic under-fueling can impact your hormones, metabolism, bones, muscle, mood, and overall health.What the Minnesota Starvation Experiment teaches us about the body's response to prolonged energy deficiency.Why building muscle, eating enough, prioritizing quality sleep, and supporting your body with nutrient-dense foods may be some of the best investments you can make for your future health.Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or already navigating menopause, this episode will encourage you to stop asking, "How do I survive aging?" and start asking, "How do I prepare for it?"Because the choices you make today are helping build the body you'll live in for decades to come.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @dr.beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.Mentioned Resources#119 Mindset, Minerals & Hormones with Amanda Montalvo RDRooted In Resilience Podcast Kate Deering

Well... it's official. I'm a doctor of chiropractor.In this episode of the Becca Babbles Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of one of the biggest milestones of my life. I am graduating from chiropractic school and officially earning the title of Doctor. It still feels surreal, and I'm reflecting on everything that got me here: the highs, the hard days, the lessons, and the incredible people who helped shape me along the way.I share what my clinical-based internship (CBI) was really like, the patient cases that changed how I think as a clinician, and why learning from amazing mentors completely transformed the way I approach chiropractic care. We also talk about why reassurance is one of the most powerful tools you can give a patient, why manual therapy still matters, and how every patient teaches you something if you're willing to listen.I'm also sharing what it's been like stepping into this next chapter, from interviewing for jobs and building connections to navigating the excitement (and nerves) of becoming a new doctor. If you're a chiropractic student, a healthcare professional, or just someone who loves hearing about personal growth and chasing big dreams, I think you'll really enjoy this episode.Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here's to new beginnings, lifelong learning, and helping people take charge of their health.In this episode, I talk about:What graduation day actually felt likeLessons from my clinical-based internship (CBI)The patient cases I'll never forgetWhy reassurance and communication are just as important as treatmentLearning from incredible mentorsBuilding confidence as a new chiropractorNavigating interviews and finding the right jobBecoming the kind of clinician I always hoped I'd beWhether you're in chiropractic school, already practicing, or simply curious about what this journey looks like, I hope this episode encourages you to keep learning, keep growing, and trust that every step is preparing you for what's next.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

No matter how much we plan, prepare, and work hard, life doesn't always go the way we expect. Trust me...I know.In today's episode, I'm sharing a lesson I'm currently learning in real time. Recently, something didn't work out the way I hoped, and I found myself frustrated, disappointed, and questioning everything. Whether you've been rejected from a job, didn't get the internship, failed a test, missed a goal, or simply watched your plans fall apart, this episode is for you.We'll talk about:Why you can do everything "right" and still not get the outcome you wantedThe importance of feeling your emotions instead of suppressing themWhy failure isn't a reflection of your worthHow to stop letting fear of other people's opinions control your lifeFinding lessons in life's disappointmentsLearning to surrender when things are outside your controlIf you're walking through a season of uncertainty or disappointment, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.Timestamps:0:16 — Becca introduces the episode and shares a recent disappointing experience0:46 — Why she turns to podcasts during hard moments1:15 — Talking about life not going according to plan1:37 — The pressure Type A personalities feel to plan everything1:55 — The illusion that planning guarantees outcomes2:23 — Examples of plans that can fall apart: school, jobs, relationships, and more3:05 — Reframing disappointment as a lesson or redirection3:27 — The emotions that come after a setback4:16 — Comparing self-doubt and fear of judgment4:45 — Feelings are information, not identity5:57 — Why we question ourselves when things don’t go as planned6:18 — Reframing failure as a speed bump7:09 — Feelings don’t disappear instantly8:48 — “Failing forward” and why that phrase can feel hard to hear9:18 — Failure as life lessons instead of a final verdict10:32 — Questions to ask after a disappointment11:56 — Approaching mistakes with curiosity instead of shame12:44 — Moving forward without fear13:19 — Changing the meaning of failure into a mini lesson14:04 — Surrender, patience, and letting go of attachment to outcomes15:37 — Preparing differently instead of just preparing more16:59 — Relationship patterns and looking at behaviors, not just words18:42 — Taking a break from dating when needed19:40 — Planning is a gift, but flexibility matters20:51 — Making space for unexpected changes21:48 — Becca’s reflections on this year’s uncertainty23:14 — Learning to surrender and keep options open24:49 — Why being too attached to one outcome can wreck your world25:35 — The possibility that something better is ahead26:34 — Letting go of the need for other people’s approval27:26 — Practical steps: feel the emotions first28:57 — Reflect on what can be learned29:27 — Reframe failure as a speed bump30:14 — Keep moving forward30:42 — Journal prompts for reflection31:33 — A personal example: basketball, failure, and what came next33:36 — Final encouragement: you are not a failure, you just hit a speed bump

In this episode, Becca hosts her mentor, Dr. Kyle Thompson, a sports chiropractor and leadership expert. They explore how leadership extends beyond titles into everyday interactions, emphasizing communication, self-awareness, and influence. Whether you're in healthcare, business, or personal relationships, Kyle's insights help you lead with authenticity and impact.We talked about:The core of leadership: inspiration vs. managementThe importance of self-leadership for influencing othersHow body language reveals openness and receptivenessStrategies for difficult conversations and emotional intelligenceThe role of ego and authenticity in leadershipBuilding resonance and cultural alignment through communicationPractical steps to start leading yourself todayTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and podcast overview 00:10 - What does being a leader mean to Kyle Thompson? 00:40 - Inspiration versus management in leadership 01:42 - The growth-oriented approach of true leadership 03:16 - Personal experiences highlighting communication's importance in sports and life 04:39 - Family influence and the value of education in leadership 07:28 - The role of teaching in developing communication skills 11:14 - Self-awareness, introspection, and leadership origins in pole vaulting 12:47 - Recognizing body language cues for engagement 14:23 - How open versus closed postures impact conversations 16:38 - Techniques when someone is closed off physically during interaction 19:02 - Applying body language awareness on stage and in groups 21:26 - The challenge of not taking feedback personally in leadership 23:19 - Strategies for managing fear and rejection when speaking or leading 25:39 - Creating engaging environments through storytelling and context 27:26 - Leading oneself versus leading others—why self-leadership is foundational 28:04 - The pitfalls of pace-setting and managing expectations 30:10 - How to inspire rather than just set an example 32:20 - The art of resonance: aligning messages with others’ values 34:42 - Refining communication style with tone, words, and body language 36:31 - Authenticity and leveraging individual strengths in leadership 38:53 - The importance of simplicity in teaching and communicating complex ideas 42:56 - Letting go of ego for authentic success 45:56 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and comparison in professional growth 48:23 - Embracing the learning curve in chiropractic and life 50:52 - Presence and introspection in clinical and personal settings 51:43 - Leadership’s role in friendships, family, and relationships 55:27 - Setting boundaries and high standards in personal life 58:09 - Managing ego and taking radical ownership in leadership 60:17 - Reflecting on how deep others’ introspection really runs 62:46 - Growth through honest self-talk and accepting mistakes 65:47 - Handling high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations 68:41 - Navigating crucial conversations like a pirate ship crossing a vortex 71:17 - The importance of finding the 'golden thread' in conflicts 73:15 - Managing strong emotions and keeping conversations constructive 75:55 - Ending difficult conversations proactively and with clarity 78:07 - Practical first step: Lead yourself today with clarity on your vision 80:10 - How defining your ideal self creates ripple effects of leadership Resources & LinksCrucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are HighJoe Navarro - The Body Language ExpertSuper Communicators Book (Check specific retailer for availability)Kinetic Chain ClinicConnect with Kyle ThompsonInstagram: @drkylethompsonRehab2 PerformanceConnect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

What if the symptoms you’ve been told are “normal”… are actually something more?In this episode, I sit down with my friend Dominic Coe to have an honest and eye-opening conversation about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) what it is, how to identify it, and why it’s often misunderstood or overlooked.Dominic shares his powerful story of being brought back to life twice and his journey to finally being diagnosed with POTS. His experience sheds light on how complex and multi-system this condition can be and how easy it is to miss.We also break down:Common signs and symptoms of POTS (and what to look for)How it can impact multiple systems in the bodyIts connection to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), hypermobility, and vagal toneMedications that may trigger or mimic POTS-like symptomsNutrition and lifestyle strategies that can support those living with POTSThis episode is for anyone who has felt dismissed, confused about their symptoms, or wants a deeper understanding of how the body works when things don’t feel quite right.It’s a conversation about resilience, awareness, and learning how to better support your body.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.Resources/ArticlesMiller, A. J., Freeman, R., … Raj, S. R. (2021). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): State of the science and clinical care from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 1. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 235, 102828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102828https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34144933/Raj, S. R., Bourne, K. M., Stiles, L. E., Miglis, M. G., Cortez, M. M., Miller, A. J., Freeman, R., Biaggioni, I., Rowe, P. C., Sheldon, R. S., Shibao, C. A., Diedrich, A., Systrom, D. M., Cook, G. A., Doherty, T. A., Abdallah, H. I., Grubb, B. P., Fedorowski, A., Stewart, J. M., Arnold, A. C., … Vernino, S. (2021). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): Priorities for POTS care and research from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 2. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 235, 102836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102836https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34246578/Hulscher, N., Procter, B. C., Wynn, C., & McCullough, P. A. (2023). Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination. Cureus, 15(11), e49204. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.49204https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38024037/Pena, C., Moustafa, A., Mohamed, A. R., & Grubb, B. (2024). Autoimmunity in Syndromes of Orthostatic Intolerance: An Updated Review. Journal of personalized medicine, 14(4), 435. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040435https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38673062/Mehr, S. E., Barbul, A., & Shibao, C. A. (2018). Gastrointestinal symptoms in postural tachycardia syndrome: a systematic review. Clinical autonomic research : official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society, 28(4), 411–421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-018-0519-xhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549458/Raj, S. R., Fedorowski, A., & Sheldon, R. S. (2022). Diagnosis and management of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 194(10), E378–E385. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.211373Fu, Q., & Levine, B. D. (2018). Exercise and non-pharmacological treatment of POTS. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 215, 20–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2018.07.001https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30001836/Forghani, I., See, J., & McGonigle, W. C. (2025). Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Diagnostic Challenges and the Role of Genetic Testing. Genes, 16(5), 530. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16050530https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40428350/ 

Most athletes and fitness enthusiasts overlook one powerful performance-enhancing herb: Rhodiola. Known as the "golden root," this ancient adaptogen may help improve endurance, reduce fatigue, enhance recovery, and boost mental focus without the crash or jitters of stimulants.In this episode, I break down the science behind Rhodiola, exploring how its active compounds, rosavin and salidroside, impact physical and mental performance. You'll learn what current research says about perceived exertion, heart rate, recovery, strength, and endurance, plus how the effects differ when taken before a workout versus consistently over time.I also shares practical dosing recommendations, timing strategies, and who may benefit most from adding Rhodiola to their routine. Whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior, or simply looking for a natural way to improve resilience and performance, this episode will help you decide if Rhodiola deserves a place in your supplement stack.Time Stamps0:16 Introduction1:15 What Are Adaptogens?2:41 Rhodiola and Its Benefits5:04 What the Research Shows10:19 Heart Rate & Perceived Exertion12:53 Long-Term Effects of Rhodiola17:18 Strength Training Performance20:42 Dosage Recommendations24:39 Final ThoughtsStudiesKoozehchian, M., Mabrey, G., Newton, A., & Naderi, A. (2024). Dose-Response Effects of Short-Term Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Resistance-Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Physiology, 39(S1). https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.2024.39.s1.261Noreen, E. E., Buckley, J. G., Lewis, S. L., Brandauer, J., & Stuempfle, K. J. (2013). The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(3), 839–847. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825d9799Parisi, A., Tranchita, E., Duranti, G., Ciminelli, E., Quaranta, F., Ceci, R., Cerulli, C., Borrione, P., & Sabatini, S. (2010). Effects of chronic rhodiola rosea supplementation on sport performance and antioxidant capacity in trained male: preliminary results. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 50(1), 57-63. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/effects-chronic-rhodiola-rosea-supplementation-on/docview/366339999/se-2Connect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.

How do you actually know what health and fitness advice to trust?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brandon Beckerman, a sports chiropractor and Clinic Faculty Doctor at Parker University, to break down some of the biggest questions people have when it comes to movement, rehab, and overall health.We talk about how to spot good vs. misleading research (without needing a science degree), so you can feel more confident in the choices you’re making for your body.We also dive into isometric exercises. What they are, why they matter, and how they can help with everything from injury recovery to getting stronger and more stable in everyday life.And of course, we tackle a big topic:👉 Is there really such a thing as perfect movement… or have we been overthinking it this whole time?This episode is all about simplifying the noise, understanding your body better, and giving you practical tools you can actually use. Whether you’re working out, recovering from an injury, or just trying to move and feel better.Connect with BeccaInstagram: @beccaannwellnessEmail: [email protected]'t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review! It helps grow the show so that I can help more people learn and grow!This show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment.