Root To Rise

What if the secret to feeling more energized, resilient, and alive begins deep within our cells? Every movement we make, every thought we think, and every biological process that sustains us depends on cellular energy. At the center of this remarkable system are our mitochondria, the cellular structures responsible for producing much of the ATP that powers life. In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal sits down with Dr. Jin-Xiong She to explore the fascinating science of cellular energy, mitochondrial function, and NAD+, an essential coenzyme involved in energy metabolism, cellular repair, and healthy aging. Together, they explore how our cells generate energy, why mitochondrial health matters, how NAD+ participates in critical biological pathways, and what emerging research suggests about supporting cellular function as we age. In this episode, we explore: 1.  Why mitochondria are essential for energy, movement, and vitality. 2.  The relationship between NAD+, ATP production, and cellular metabolism. 3.  How aging and metabolic stress can influence mitochondrial function. 4.  The emerging science of NAD+ supplementation and its potential benefits and limitations. 5.  The connection between cellular energy, physical performance, recovery, and longevity. 6.  Lifestyle strategies that may support mitochondrial health. Because feeling alive isn't just about how we move through the world. It's also about the extraordinary energy systems working within us every second of every day. Your energy starts at the cellular level. To learn more about Dr She and Jinfinity https://jinfiniti.com/ 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

Every scar has a story. What might yours reveal about how you move and feel? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes Cyndi George, an international instructor in McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release, to explore scars beyond their surface appearance. Together, they discuss how scar tissue can affect local sensation and mobility, why a scar may deserve attention long after the skin has healed, and what a gentle approach to scar work involves. They also explore the personal experiences scars can carry and the importance of feeling comfortable reconnecting with these areas of the body. A conversation about curiosity, body awareness, and listening to the language of scars. To learn more about Cyndi George & Scar Release please visit https://www.mcloughlin-scar-release.com/ 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What happens when sound becomes something you feel? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes Barbara Depta of Resync Your Body to explore vibroacoustics—the experience of sound through vibration—and its place in conversations about body awareness, relaxation, and recovery. Barbara shares her approach to combining movement, breathwork, and sensory experiences, including her vibroacoustic chair. Together, they discuss the relationship between sensation and presence, why recovery deserves space in our daily lives, and how we can become more attentive to what our bodies are telling us. Tune in for a conversation about sound, fascia, and reconnecting with your body. Subscribe to Root to Rise for more conversations on sensory intelligence, movement longevity, and what it means to feel alive. To learn more about Resync Your body - www.resyncyourbody.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What if understanding healing starts with understanding the body's own capacity for change? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes back Dr. Sean Drake to explore energy—from cellular processes to our everyday experience of vitality, movement, and connection. Together, they unpack the idea that "you are the modality," exploring how breath, movement, and nervous system awareness fit into a broader approach to health. They also discuss tools Dr. Drake incorporates into his practice, including PEMF, and how he thinks about their role alongside the body's own healing processes. A conversation about curiosity, participation, and what it means to take an active role in your health. Learn more about Dr Sean at: www.moderneathlete.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm 🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More: New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What if bone health deserves a bigger place in the longevity conversation? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily welcomes Rebekah Rotstein, founder of Buff Bones®, to explore bone health beyond the density score. Together, they discuss strength, balance, movement, and the importance of building confidence in your body as you age. From osteoporosis to the connection between feet and whole-body stability, this conversation explores what it means to build a resilient foundation for lifelong movement—and why caring for your bones is an investment in your future independence. Connect with Buff Bones®: Instagram: @gotbuffbones⁠ Website: www.buff-bones.com⁠ 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

Foot pain isn't always a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it's a sign that your foot is being asked to handle more load than it currently has the capacity to manage. In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down the concept of the overloaded arch and why strengthening alone may not be the answer.  Dr Emily explores how repetitive stress, footwear, movement patterns, tissue capacity, and sensory input influence the way the foot absorbs and responds to load. Learn how to recognize when an arch is overloaded, why pain can be a signal to change the way we're loading the body, and how to build greater foot resilience without simply adding more support. Because a strong foot isn't one that never experiences stress — it's one that can sense, adapt, and respond to it. 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What really goes into bringing a movie like Stupid Shoes to life? In this episode, I sit down with Dee Libine the producer of Stupid Shoes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the making of the film, the story that inspired it, the challenges of production, and what it takes to turn an idea into a finished movie. We talk about the creative process, memorable moments from the set, the people who helped make the film happen, and what audiences can expect from Stupid Shoes. 🎬 A candid conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and the journey behind Stupid Shoes. What the trailer of Stupid Shoes https://youtu.be/CFCT1IqsVmc?si=-HJNExEpYcTTlrlr Learn more about Stupid Shoes movie - www.stupidshoesmovie.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What if one simple exercise could change the way you connect to your feet, stabilize your arch, and build a stronger foundation for movement? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down one of the most important exercises she teaches: Short Foot. More than an arch-strengthening exercise, Short Foot is about learning how to create tension and stability through the intrinsic muscles of the foot while maintaining connection to the ground. Dr. Emily walks through the anatomy behind Short Foot, why foot position and sensory awareness matter, common mistakes that change the exercise, and how to progress Short Foot from an isolated activation into standing and dynamic movement. You'll learn why Short Foot has remained a cornerstone of Dr. Emily's approach to barefoot training—and why mastering this seemingly simple exercise can change the way you think about foot strength. In this episode: What Short Foot actually is The anatomy behind the exercise Intrinsic vs. extrinsic foot muscles Creating the "shortening" action without curling the toes Why sensory input matters Common Short Foot mistakes When and how to use Short Foot How to progress from activation to integrated movement Your feet don't just need to be stronger. They need to know how to respond. 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

What if chronic pain isn't the problem—but the body's request for change? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal sits down with Dr. Perry Nickelston, internationally recognized as The Lymph Doc, to explore why true healing begins long before symptoms appear. Together, they unpack the remarkable connection between the lymphatic system, fascia, breath, movement, and the nervous system, revealing how these interconnected systems influence inflammation, recovery, resilience, and overall health. Dr. Perry shares why "stopping the chase" is one of the most powerful shifts clinicians and patients can make, why the lymphatic system may be the missing piece in chronic pain and persistent dysfunction, and how simple daily practices can restore the body's natural ability to heal. Whether you're a healthcare professional, movement specialist, or someone searching for answers beyond traditional pain management, this conversation will change the way you think about healing—from the inside out. In this episode you'll discover: Why pain is often a symptom—not the source—of dysfunction. The vital role of the lymphatic system in inflammation, immunity, and recovery. How fascia, breath, and movement work together to create health and resilience. Simple strategies to improve lymphatic flow and support your body's healing capacity. Why every system in the body is connected—and why healing should be approached the same way. Learn more about Dr Perry at www.stopchasingpain.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.

More than 20 million Americans are living with peripheral neuropathy, yet most conversations focus on what has been lost—lost sensation, lost balance, and damaged nerves. But what if the story doesn't end there? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr Emily Splichal explores the emerging science of peripheral neuroplasticity—the remarkable ability of the peripheral nervous system and the brain to adapt following nerve injury. While nerve regeneration and neuroplasticity are distinct processes, research suggests rehabilitation, sensory retraining, and meaningful movement can influence how the nervous system reorganizes and supports recovery. You'll learn: What peripheral neuropathy really is Different types of neuropathy and causes The difference between positive and negative symptoms  Why sensory input is essential for healthy movement How to safely train your feet with neuropathy  How movement, sensory stimulation, and rehabilitation may support nervous system adaptation This episode challenges the idea that neuropathy is simply a condition to manage. Instead, you'll discover why the nervous system remains dynamic throughout life and how thoughtful rehabilitation can help you reconnect with your body from the ground up. 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal:  Consultations:   www.dremilysplichal.com   Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm                     🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More:  New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.