Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast

Have you been living with poor posture, back pain, or vertebral compression fractures? If so, it might be time to consider spinal bracing as a solution. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mike Studer, an expert in neurologic physical therapy, and Ed Wilbourne, a seasoned professional in the field of orthopedic product development, to explore how the Spinomed back brace can improve posture, alleviate pain, and even help with kyphosis—a condition characterized by a forward-leaning spine. They explain how dynamic bracing works as a therapeutic tool to retrain muscles, reduce kyphosis, and support spine alignment. They also share the science behind this treatment, demonstrating how it can lead to reduced pain and stronger back muscles. 

If you’re dealing with back issues, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in to learn how spinal bracing can support your spine and brain health!

“When something related to your spine is a barrier that keeps you from participating, that's when you want to try to investigate to see if you can grab that something back with a very simple application of the brace for even a short period of your day." ~ Dr. Mike Studer

In this episode:

- [02:23] - Meet Dr. Mike Studer and Ed Wilbourne

- [02:55] - How spinal bracing improves strength and posture

- [05:45] - Overcoming fear and its impact on movement

- [09:53] - Overview of Spinomed and its benefits

- [15:23] - The best candidates for Spinomed

- [23:18] - Using Spinomed for vertebral compression fractures

- [28:45] - Spinomed brace: reducing kyphosis and improving posture

- [36:11] - How spinal alignment benefits the brain

- [40:06] - What the Spinomed brace can do for you

- [41:23] - The importance of personalized care with Spinomed

- [43:57] - How to get the Spinomed brace

- [45:39] - Where to find more information about Spinomed

Resources mentioned

- Get more information about Spinomed - https://www.medi.de/en/products/spinomed/ and https://copahealth.us

- Dr. Mike Studer's book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLP7JVFY

- Dr. Mike’s website - www.mikestuder.com

- Get quality supplements at a discount from Fullscript - https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mbissinger

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Do you feel like you’re doing everything right—eating healthy, exercising—but still not seeing the results you want, especially with bone health? In this episode, I interview Dr. Melissa Mondala, a lifestyle medicine expert, to explore how mindset and stress management can impact osteoporosis and overall wellness.

Dr. Melissa is a triple specialist in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Integrative Psychiatry, and is double-boarded in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. She is one of the first nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivists and serves as Core Faculty at Loma Linda University's Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Department, which is one of the Blue Zones for longevity.   She prioritizes lifestyle modifications to optimize health, brings evidence-based methods to combat chronic disease, and uplifts potential barriers through self-empowerment and self-compassion

Dr. Melissa shares her multidisciplinary approach to bone health, combining nutrition, exercise, and the often-overlooked element of mental well-being. Learn about practical tools and strategies you can implement today to reduce stress, improve your mindset, and protect your bones for the long term.

Tune in and discover how lifestyle medicine can revolutionize your health!

“Every day, we all have a new beginning. We can choose to live the life we want." ~ Dr. Melissa Mondala

In this episode:

- [01:18] - Meet Dr. Melissa Mondala, lifestyle medicine expert

- [07:50] - Practical tips for improving our health

- [18:52] - Affirmations for reducing stress 

- [21:21] - The connection between mental and physical health

- [24:53] - The importance of proper nutrition for overall well-being

- [29:10] - Glutathione and its role in the body

- [31:20] - Tips for preparing healthy meals 

- [37:53] - Details about the Plant-Powered Mind Masterclass

- [41:48] - Book recommendation: Embody Lifestyle Medicine

Resources mentioned

- Embody Lifestyle Medicine: How to Build a Successful Direct Care Startup by Dr. Melissa Mondala - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXRCX8RC

- Margie's Favorites (products I personally use and love) - https://margiebissinger.com/margies-favorites/ - 

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Did you know that eye health is often overlooked, even though it’s one of our most valuable senses? In this episode, Dr. Rudrani (Rani) Banik returns to go over how you can naturally prevent vision loss and protect your eyes. We discuss actionable steps you can take today, including which supplements for eye health are most effective, how to protect your eyes from blue light, and why proper nutrition is key.

Dr. Rani is a board-certified integrative neuro-ophthalmologist. She focuses on the root cause of eye diseases and employs strategies that incorporate nutrition, botanicals, lifestyle modifications, and supplements to address issues like macular degeneration and cataracts.  Dr. Rani is the author of two best-selling books: Beyond Carrots - Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z and Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen. She is also the founder of The Eye Health Summit™, which is scheduled to take place in the first week of May 2025.

Tune in and discover how to safeguard your vision and live a vibrant, active life today!

“Get your eye check-ups even if you feel that there's nothing problematic. Go to the eye doctor once a year after the age of 40." ~ Dr. Rudrani Banik

In this episode:

- [02:28] - Meet the expert in vision health

- [05:05] - Three common eye conditions associated with aging

- [06:38] - How nutrition affects your eye health

- [10:45] - Supplements for eye health: what works

- [16:45] - Tips to minimize the negative impact of blue light on vision

- [27:32] - What to do if you have glaucoma

- [31:36] - When to see an eye doctor

- [34:27] - Details about the upcoming Eye Health Summit 

- [42:55] - Where to learn more about Dr. Rani 

Resources mentioned

- The Eye Health Summit - https://tinyurl.com/eyehealthsummit

- Dr. Rani's website - https://www.drranibanik.com/

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (free) - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones-and-prevent-fractures-1

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Are gut issues affecting your energy, digestion, or even your bones? Gut health isn’t just about feeling bloated—it impacts your entire body, including your bone health. 

In this episode, I have an interesting conversation with Health Engineer Steven Wright, aka The Healthy Gut Guy. We dive into the power of postbiotics—the beneficial compounds created when your gut bacteria ferment fiber.

Steven explains how butyrate, a key postbiotic, can reduce inflammation, improve bone density, and help counter the effects of environmental toxins. We also discuss how he found the best butyrate supplements to support both gut and bone health.

Tune in and learn how postbiotics can transform your health from the inside out!

“If your microbiome is healthy and producing more butyrate, your bones are gonna be thicker, stronger and better off than if you have dysbiosis and lower levels of butyrate." ~ Steven Wright, The Healthy Gut Guy

In this episode:

- [02:48] - Why Steven is passionate about gut health

- [09:09] - What are postbiotics?

- [13:32] - Why people are low on butyrate

- [18:12] - How to test for low butyrate levels

- [20:37] - The impact of butyrate on overall health

- [25:30] - Research on the link between butyrate and bone health

- [28:47] - Potential downsides of butyrate

- [32:26] - When and how long to take butyrate supplements

- [36:48] - Discovering the optimal butyrate supplement

- [43:09] - Real stories of people using butyrate supplements

- [50:46] - How butyrate counteracts the effect of environmental toxins

Resources mentioned

- Restore your gut health with Tributyrin-X™- https://healthygut.com/HBTX  (this link will give you a 15% discount on this supplement)

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (free) - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones-and-prevent-fractures-1

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Did you know your gut health plays a huge role in bone health? In this episode, I sit down with Anu Simh, a board-certified functional health coach and founder of 9 Arms of Wellness, to dive into the fascinating connection between the microbiome and our bones. 

Anu believes that gut health is the foundation of lasting wellness. Her upcoming book, Flourish from Within, explores the gut's role in metabolism, hormones, and even bone health, showing that when we feed the microbiome, we support the whole body. Anu has guided hundreds of women through this transformation and is now training other coaches in her methodology.

Anu discusses how a healthy gut microbiome can help absorb nutrients more effectively, support bone density, and even reduce the risk of osteoporosis. She also shares simple yet powerful tips for improving gut health, like incorporating fiber-rich foods and prebiotics into your diet. You’ll learn how these changes can help support your gut and bone health for long-term wellness.

Tune in to discover actionable steps you can take today for stronger bones and a healthier gut!

“There's a bunch of trillions of bacteria that live within us. They're our forever guests, and when we have a symbiotic relationship that is going right, then everything changes." ~ Anu Simh

In this episode:

- [01:31] - Gut health’s impact on bone strength

- [02:13] - How a healthy microbiome boosts bone density

- [03:17] - Common issues that contribute to bone loss 

- [07:15] - How to improve fiber intake

- [13:34] - Nutrients that help improve bone health

- [16:35] - The inspiration behind Anu's book 

- [20:26] - Sources of fiber and recommended quantities 

- [29:30] - Fermented foods to improve gut health

- [31:45] - Anu’s approach to healing the microbiome naturally

- [36:44] - The Nine Arms of Wellness: Anu’s philosophy for promoting health

- [41:35] - How to introduce fiber into your diet today

Resources mentioned

- Anu's book - Flourish From Within - https://www.9armsofwellness.com/flourish-Preorder

- Anu’s Gut Health Quiz to measure your microbiome health - https://the.9armsofwellness.com/Microbiome

- Fullscript - https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mbissinger

More about Margie

- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 

DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.

*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.