Words matter, especially when they become identity. In this episode, Dr. Wall breaks down why a “diagnosis” can be helpful information or a harmful label that convinces you you’re stuck forever. The goal isn’t to ignore symptoms, it’s to stop treating the name like the finish line and start asking the better question: Why is this happening?

Joining him is Emelia Kay, PA at AFC Physical Medicine, who compares conventional “manage the symptoms” care with a functional approach that looks upstream: gut health, stress physiology, nutrition, deficiencies, and environmental triggers. They walk through common “diagnoses” (IBS, headaches, insulin resistance, hair loss, allergies) and share practical next steps that can help you move from labels to root causes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why a diagnosis can become an identity
• The difference between conventional care and a functional root-cause approach
• IBS: the gut-brain connection, stress/cortisol, and why baseline testing matters
• Headaches: common nutrient deficiencies and a simple “functional” supplement trio
• Insulin resistance: key lifestyle levers + supportive nutrients (and why cortisol matters)
• Hair loss: what to look at beyond thyroid—including vitamin and mineral markers
• Environmental allergies: why symptoms aren’t just “sinus-related” and how inflammation shows up everywhere
• Why allergy testing + immunotherapy can be a game-changer for whole-body inflammation

Resources mentioned:

• AFC Physical Medicine Desert Ridge – https://www.afcchiropractic.com/desert-ridge-clinic.html
• Essential Family Health and Wellness – https://www.efhwc.com/team
• Functional & Root-Cause Testing – Blood work beyond standard labs, morning cortisol testing, gut and allergy testing to identify underlying causes of chronic symptoms

Guest Bio:

Emelia Kay, MS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with experience across primary care, gastroenterology, and integrative physical medicine. She currently practices at AFC Physical Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, where she focuses on addressing root causes of chronic pain, gut dysfunction, allergies, metabolic issues, and hormone imbalances. Emelia earned her Master’s degree from Pace University–Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Health from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude. She previously worked at Arizona Digestive Health, treating complex GI conditions and is a published author in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants for her work on non-pharmacologic approaches to irritable bowel syndrome. Her approach blends evidence-based medicine with nutrition, lifestyle, and integrative therapies to help patients move beyond symptom management.

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

Ever had a “roof-walk” moment—where one small shift in footing makes your whole body feel it? Dr. Kevin Wall flips the usual conversation and goes bottom-to-top, unpacking why the feet aren’t just “feet”… they’re the foundation that can influence knees, hips, back, posture, and performance.

Joining him is Dr. Robert Weil (“Dr. Bob”), a sports podiatrist and longtime host of The Sports Doctor, who shares decades of real-world insight, from youth athletes to weekend warriors to older adults, on what proper orthotics are designed to do, why “support” isn’t the best word, and how stability + efficiency can change everything.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why foot mechanics can drive recurring knee, hip, and back problems, even when your feet don’t hurt
• The difference between over-the-counter inserts vs custom prescription orthotics
• “Hard vs soft” isn’t the real question: rigid vs flexible (and why flexible materials often win)
• The role of pronation/supination: when it’s normal vs when it becomes a problem
• Two simple things you can start tomorrow: foot/ankle strengthening + balance training
• When barefoot running/minimal shoes can help… and when they can backfire
• Why shoes matter by sport (running vs court sports) and how often to replace them

Guest Bio:

Dr. Robert Weil (aka “Dr. Bob”) is a sports podiatrist with decades of experience helping patients improve foot mechanics, posture, comfort, and performance through custom orthotics and functional training. He is the host of The Sports Doctor radio show, which has been on the air for more than four decades, featuring experts from across the sports medicine world. Over the years, Dr. Weil has worked with elite and professional athletes (including tennis, NFL, and Olympic-level competitors) and is known for making complex biomechanics practical for everyday people—whether you’re a serious athlete, a busy parent, or simply trying to move well for life.

Resources:

The Sports Doctor radio show: https://thesportsdoctorradio.com/

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

If you’ve ever stared at a shelf of supplements and thought, “Do I really need all of this?”—this episode is for you. Dr. Kevin Wall sits down with juicing expert Daniel Boone to break down what “real” juicing actually is (and why blending isn’t the same), how fresh juice can support digestion and energy by delivering nutrients in a form your body can absorb quickly, and why extreme juice cleanses often miss the point—consistency wins.

Daniel also shares the simplest way to start tomorrow without buying an expensive machine.

Key points discussed:

• Why juicing ≠ smoothies/blending (and what “pre-digested” nutrition means)
• The fiber question: what you lose in juicing and how to balance it with whole foods
• Why bottled/store-bought juice isn’t the same (pasteurization + oxidation)
• Fruit vs. vegetable digestion and why apples are the easiest “mix-in”
• Alkaline/acid talk: how food choices can influence inflammation
• Supplements: which ones Daniel personally uses (and why powder can be more absorbable than pills)
• A simple starter plan: grapefruit juicing a few mornings per week + affordable juicer options

Guest Bio:

Daniel Boone is a wellness-minded entrepreneur and longtime student of juicing and nutrition. His personal journey into juicing began more than three decades ago when he wanted to improve his health markers—without jumping straight to medication. Over the years, Daniel has helped countless people simplify nutrition with practical routines and better-for-you options, and he now runs a wellness smoothie shop in Scottsdale, Arizona focused on high-protein, meal-style smoothies designed for busy real life.

Resources:

HB Protein Smoothies: hbproteinsmoothies.com

HB Protein Smoothies / HB Wellness location (Scottsdale): 16801 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ

Supplements Mentioned: creatine, NAC, quercetin (+ bromelain), zinc (+ copper balance)

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

Most people would never get in a car and drive for years without a destination… but that’s exactly how many of us approach our health. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Wall is joined by Dr. Ryan Sculley and Dr. Josh Bock (leaders at AFC Physical Medicine Centers) to break down why most people drift in their health, and how simple goal setting can change everything.

They walk through the most common goal-setting mistakes (too many goals, comparison, quitting too soon, unrealistic expectations), then give a practical framework for building goals that actually stick: write it down, make it specific and measurable, attach a deadline, and create small action steps you can repeat daily.

Key Takeaways:

• Health doesn’t improve “by accident”. You need a clear target and a plan.
• Fewer goals = better results (focus beats overwhelm).
• Stop comparing: aim for progress you can sustain.
• Small daily wins build momentum, confidence, and consistency.
• Write your goals where you’ll see them and review them daily.

Resources:

• “See You At The Top” by Zig Ziglar
• SMART Goals Framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Zero-based balanced budget (search term Dr. Bock recommends)
• Williams Flexion Exercises (search term for low back routine)
• AFC Physical Medicine Centers: https://www.afcchiropractic.com/

Guest Bios:

Dr. Ryan Sculley is a chiropractic physician and corporate leader with AFC Physical Medicine Centers, where he helps guide long-term vision, operations, strategy, and leadership development across the organization. With decades of experience using goal setting in business and life, Dr. Sculley is passionate about helping people build confidence through small daily wins, especially when it comes to strengthening habits that improve physical and mental health.

Dr. Josh Bock is a chiropractic physician and analytics-focused leader at AFC Physical Medicine Centers, where he tracks clinic performance and helps teams build measurable, step-by-step plans for growth and success. Known for his practical, systems-based approach, Dr. Bock enjoys making big goals achievable by breaking them into clear, realistic action steps, whether that’s improving health, strengthening relationships, or creating a smarter plan for finances and nutrition.

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

What if your biggest health breakthrough next year isn’t a “new supplement”… but doing the hard thing you’ve been avoiding?

In this year-end episode, Dr. Kevin Wall looks back on the most talked-about conversations and viral clips from this past year, then ties them together with one consistent theme: real health isn’t a magic bullet. It’s simple habits, consistent care, and the courage to question quick-fix thinking.

You’ll hear highlights on:

• Headaches
• Nerve pain vs. muscle pain
• Neuropathy & blood sugar
• Pre-diabetes warning signs
• Hormones & metabolism
• Diabetes reality check
• Cold plunging & discomfort tolerance
• Muscle + fasting + autophagy
• Gluten & gut health

As you head into the new year, Dr. Wall’s challenge is simple: write down what you’re afraid of, pick the hardest “frog,” and start there.

Resources:

• CellCore “Para 1” & “Para 2” parasite cleanse https://www.drkevinwall.com/products
• Goodness Gracious Gluten Free: https://goodnessgraciousglutenfree.com/
• Purity Protocol Farms oats (gluten-tested; referenced for oats due to cross-contact)

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

What if your “bad back” isn’t random at all, but a predictable progression you could have interrupted years ago?

Dr. Kevin Wall pulls back the curtain on the seven stages of lower back pain, why sitting has become its own “pandemic,” and how your gut, your nervous system, and even big pharma all intersect in the story of your spine. After 36 years of treating thousands of patients, he maps out the pathway from “I’m just a little stiff” to “I’ve given up my life because of pain”—and how to get off that road at any stage.

Dr. Wall also shares the moment that changed the trajectory of his career: doing pharmaceutical research that didn’t actually prove what the published papers claimed it did. That experience sent him into chiropractic, integrated health clinics, and eventually into helping patients address the deeper metabolic and gut issues that keep their pain coming back.

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Resources:

• Gut Reset / Feel Great System – Dr. Wall’s recommended metabolic and gut health program to address systemic inflammation, blood sugar issues, and diffuse pain (look for the “Gut Reset” or “Feel Great System” button on his site).

Dina Wall’s Book on Loving Someone with Addiction

• Finding Faith: Living Brave While Loving an Addict Hurts by Dina Wall (search “Dina Wall Finding Faith” on Amazon)

Referenced Unplugged Healthcast Episodes (previous content)

• Episode on Tech Neck: https://youtu.be/g485RVE4GpA
• Episode with Dr. Mareshah Dunning: https://youtu.be/Q9TD6ooWYqk

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

What if the posture your family lives in today determines the health your grandchildren live with tomorrow?

In this episode, Dr. Wall sits down with world-renowned physician, author, and chronic pain expert Dr. James Stoxen to expose one of the fastest-growing diagnoses in modern healthcare: text neck and the far more dangerous evolution of it — thoracic outlet syndrome.

We’re living in a generation that no longer lifts, bends, or labors physically. Instead, we’re hunched over phones and screens, collapsing our spines, starving our nerves, and creating an inflammation storm that’s not only wrecking our posture, but it’s wrecking our mood, our sleep, and our long-term health.

Dr. Stoxen breaks down:

• Why tech-driven posture is reversing the natural S-curve we were designed to develop
• The hidden signs of thoracic outlet syndrome.
• How chronic inflammation triggers anxiety, depression, and accelerated aging
• The 24–30 hour deep-tissue system he uses to clear inflammation and rebuild the body’s natural spring
• How parents can detect early warning signs in their children and prevent this epidemic from becoming generational

Guest Bio:

Dr. James Stoxen is a #1 international bestselling author and one of the world’s leading experts on thoracic outlet syndrome, biomechanics, and natural recovery from chronic pain. Over his career, he has been invited to speak at more than 500 medical conferences across 50 cities and 30 countries, delivering over 60 keynote lectures. He also built one of the largest celebrity practices in the United States, treating world-tour entertainers on more than 140 national tours with award-winning performers.

He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Science & Research and sits on the editorial boards of over 40 medical journals, underscoring his global influence in sports medicine, biomechanics, and integrative health science. In addition, he is an Honorary Fellow in Sports and Exercise Medicine and serves on multiple international medical advisory boards.

Resources:

Websites: TeamDoctors.com

http://drstoxen.com

Book: The Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by Dr. James Stoxen: https://www.facebook.com/thoracicoutletsyndromebook/

Upcoming Book: The Inflammation Depression Connection (January release)

Vibassage Device: Available at TeamDoctors.com

FLIR Thermal Camera (for at-home circulation testing), find on Amazon

Anthony Field’s Book: How I Got My Wiggles

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.

Have the “itis brothers” moved into your life, tendonitis, bursitis, gastritis, myositis… and their loudest cousins, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Wall sits down with regenerative pain specialist Dr. Mareshah Dunning to expose why so many of us are stuck with chronic joint pain, endless diagnoses, and lifetime prescriptions, and what you can actually do to evict the itis brothers for good.

Dr. Wall and Dr. Dunning unpack what “-itis” really means (spoiler: it just means inflammation), why naming your pain is not the same as finding the cause, and how our current medical model plays a game of “name that tune” with your symptoms. Instead of asking “What pill matches this diagnosis?” they ask the better question: “Why is this tissue inflamed in the first place?”

Guest Bio:

Dr. Mareshah Dunning is an Interventional Naturopathic Regenerative Medicine Pain Physician with Solutions Regenerative Medicine, practicing out of the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Her clinical focus is pain management with a regenerative mindset, helping patients move beyond numbing their symptoms to actually addressing the deeper causes of joint and tissue degeneration.

She treats a wide range of conditions, from osteoarthritis and tendonitis to autoimmune-driven joint disease, always aiming to restore function, reduce pain, and get patients back to living their lives, playing with their kids, staying active, and doing what they love, without becoming dependent on opioids or endless steroid injections. Dr. Dunning is also passionate about patient education, helping people understand epigenetics, lifestyle, diet, and biomechanics so they can take back control of their health.

Resources:

Dr. Mareshah Dunning / Solutions Regenerative Medicine

Website: https://solutionsregenerativemedicine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solutionsregenerativemedicine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolutionsRegenerativeMedicine

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@solutionsregenerativemed

Twitter: https://x.com/SolutionsRegenM

Practice location: Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tempe, AZ

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.