Ep 102: Brain Maps, Neurodevelopment, and Functional Neurology – A Masterclass with Dr. Melillo

If you work with clients who have pain, movement issues, or developmental challenges, this episode will shift how you think about the brain’s role in all of it. Robert Melillo, Ph.D., is the founder of the Brain Balance Centers and Melillo Method and has decades of experience helping kids and adults with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and anxiety overcome challenges thought to be permanent. He joins us to talk about functional neurology, primitive reflexes, and the deep patterns that shape human performance, behavior, and healing. We discuss: What retained primitive reflexes tell us about brain development Why many chronic issues are rooted in brain asymmetries, not injuries How interoception and proprioception affect movement, speech, and emotion Tests Dr. Melillo uses to assess brain function and nervous system maturity  The surprising overlaps between autism, athletic potential, and chronic pain Functional imbalances in the brain aren’t permanent—and they’re more common than most realize. Whether you’re working with kids, athletes, or adults in pain, this episode will equip you to see root causes more clearly and give you new tools and hope.  

After years of frustrating injuries and failed rehab, George James didn’t just walk away from rugby – he walked into a calling. In this episode, he shares his journey from elite athlete to pioneering physiotherapist, his decision to bring the Neubie to the UK, and what it really means to treat the nervous system. We cover:  George’s years of failures as an athlete going through traditional rehab, and how it led him to question everything The lessons that inspired George to use a neurological framework, and how the NEUBIE plugged into that framework and became an accelerator His philosophy on why everyone should be treated like an athlete, including MS and ALS patients How he's built a thriving cash-based practice in a country with free healthcare Inspiring stories of patients reclaiming lost function, including one who regained movement that had been gone for 10 years … in the first five minutes of her treatment How he uses self-care to stay sharp, present, and energized for his clients George isn’t just delivering a different treatment, he’s rewriting the standard. And if you’ve ever felt let down by using the “standard approach” with yourself or your patients,  this conversation will hit home.  

Before we can lead teams, patients, or communities, we have to be able to lead ourselves. That’s the theme of Part 3 in our 100th episode celebration: the inner game of performance. In this episode, we explore how our mindset influences not just how we feel, but how we lead, make decisions, and grow. What you'll hear in this episode: Adam Laraway on staying aligned with your values and adopting a growth mindset while launching a successful practice. Dr. Cindra Kamphoff on mental toughness, tactics for reframing thoughts, and the psychology of “grit.” Aaron Alexander on how bodily movement shapes mood, confidence, and clarity. Wesley Kress on how meditation can rewire your nervous system for peace and performance. Dr. Shauna Shapiro on harnessing the power of neuroplasticity to “rewire our minds.” Whether you're a clinician, business owner, athlete, or just striving to be a high-performing human, this episode reminds you that how you show up internally shapes everything you create externally. And there are actionable tactics and tools here that I encourage you to explore on that journey to becoming your best you.  

Running a clinic is about more than just great patient care—it’s about building a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and perhaps even scalable. In Episode 100 Part 2, we’re diving into the biggest business lessons from our first 100 episodes, featuring expert insights on branding and marketing, sales, and how to effectively build and lead a team. These are key takeaways that can transform your practice: Angie McGilvrey – Why PT should be positioned as a primary care profession and how branding & social media help drive that message. Jason Waz – The sales messaging for clinics, including how to craft a clear & compelling message that turns patients into lifelong advocates. Mark DeAnda – How to sell cash services effectively, create emotional connections, and transition to a hybrid insurance + cash model. Brian Gallagher – Why hiring and leadership is the #1 challenge in growing a business and how to create a thriving team culture. Greg Todd– The skills they don’t teach in PT school about business, marketing, and how to drive patient referrals. Jamey Schrier – The psychology of pricing & perceived value, including why patients will pay more for premium services when positioned correctly. If you’re a clinic owner, PT, chiropractor, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you scale your business and maximize your impact.

100 episodes in, and we’re just getting started. Over the years, we’ve covered groundbreaking insights into neuroplasticity, biomechanics, recovery, and human performance. For Episode 100, I’m bringing together some of the most powerful clinical breakthroughs we’ve learned—straight from the experts who are using these strategies every day. Neuroplasticity & Regenerative Medicine – How Michele Harris, PT, combines Neubie with stem cells & exosomes for a holistic approach to both the "hardware" and "software.”   Brain-Driven Assessment – Dr. John Marchese on why the nervous system is paramount to movement, performance, and preventing injury. Resolving Chronic Pain – Logan Cooper, PT on how he approaches headaches, jaw pain, and stubborn movement issues.   Manual Therapy + Neubie – Lisa Chase, PT, explains how Neubie reintegrates movement patterns after manual therapy.   Transforming Lives in Rural Healthcare – Jacqui Broering, PT, shares an emotional case of using Neubie for a rare neuro condition.   Chiropractic Meets Neuromuscular Training – Dr. Alex Lee blends passive assessments with active neuromuscular interventions. Hypertrophy & Strength for Elite Athletes – Brad Rowe on training legends like Dexter Jackson and the power of activation. These insights aren’t just theories—they’re changing the way clinicians, athletes, and everyday people approach rehab and performance.  

In this episode, we dive into a groundbreaking neuropathy study that’s redefining treatment options for patients suffering from nerve damage. With special guests Joe McGilvrey (Apex PT) and Ramona von Leden (NeuFit VP of Research), we explore the power of direct current (DC) stimulation and how it’s achieving results that no other treatment has before. Specific discussion topics include: Neuropathy affects millions, yet standard treatments only manage symptoms. A recent study in the Journal of Diabetes Research demonstrates that the Neubie’s direct current stimulation can actually improve nerve function–and is superior to TENS. Describing and understanding the objective measures used in this study, like EMG and nerve conduction velocity.  How this research paves the way for new protocols in neuropathy, radiculopathy, and nerve regeneration. Could this be the new gold standard for neuropathy treatment? Tune in to hear the science, real patient stories, and what this means for the future of rehab and recovery.  

Did you know that chronic stress is at the root of most modern diseases? From heart disease to diabetes, poorly managed stress can wreak havoc on your body. Fortunately, in this episode Dr. Torkil Færø teaches us how to measure stress in real-time and make adjustments to stay in peak condition. That’s exactly what HRV tracking allows you to do. We discuss: Dr. Færø’s bestselling book, “The Pulse Cure” The difference between functional and dysfunctional medicine Why wearables like Whoop, Garmin, and Oura are like having a “doctor on your wrist” that can help you make immediate changes (rather than having to wait for your next blood test) How alcohol and food sensitivities affect your HRV, health, and resilience The best lifestyle habits to improve HRV and longevity We break down the science of resilience in a way that’s easy to apply. Whether you’re treating patients, an athlete, or someone who just wants to feel and perform better—this episode is a must-listen!

Explore the intersection of functional medicine and performance optimization in this episode with James “Jim” LaValle. Among other things, Jim is the Academic Co-chair of A4M, Chief Science Officer for LifeTime Fitness, creator of the “Metabolic Code” system, consultant to numerous professional sports teams, and author of more than 20 books. He shares clear insights connecting health with injury rehabilitation, recovery, and performance. From understanding blood sugar regulation to leveraging peptides and supplements, you’ll walk away with powerful tools to transform your health. We cover:  How insulin resistance is the #1 driver of aging and cardiovascular disease, and why it matters even for elite athletes, too (not just diabetics) The bi-directional relationship between inflammation and blood sugar How to optimize your nutrition/supplementation for injury recovery, longevity, and performance The role of recovery in athletic success—and why it’s often overlooked Practical applications of peptides for healing and repair Whether you’re seeking to recover faster, train smarter, or simply live better – or help your patients do the same – this episode is your guide to cracking the metabolic code. Enjoy these clear and powerful insights!  

Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it comes with unique challenges during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lauren Adamski and Anna Bales from Bump and Beyond Chiropractic to discuss the ways they’re empowering moms through every stage—especially when it comes to recovery and healing from diastasis recti. Whether you're a mom, mom-to-be, or a practitioner, this conversation will equip you with the tools to thrive. Key Takeaways: Why pregnancy isn’t a disease—it’s an opportunity for strength and optimization. What diastasis recti is, how to identify it, and effective ways to repair it. Why active movement during pregnancy reduces pain and supports easier postpartum healing. How Dr. Lauren and Anna combine chiropractic care and exercise physiology for optimal results. Practical tips for managing postpartum recovery and improving core health. Tune in for actionable insights and an uplifting approach to motherhood!  

What happens when traditional physical therapy ends, but the recovery journey is far from over? Melanie Brennan, founder of EA Therapeutics, has an answer. In this episode, we discuss how her organization is addressing the critical need for ongoing care with neuro-activity-based training, giving patients the tools to continue their progress and regain their quality of life. We discuss: Why many patients struggle when physical therapy benefits end How neuro activity-based training helps neurological patients thrive The economics of running this type of clinic, and why Melanie chose to turn her business into a nonprofit  The ripple effect of better neurological care on patients’ lives and communities Several treatment success stories mixed in Join us as we explore what’s possible when innovation and compassion collide in the world of neuro-rehabilitation.