How Your Feet Are Sabotaging Longevity (And What To Do Instead)

Guest Appearance on The Smart Harder Podcast hosted by Dr. Scott Sherr⸻This special episode features Joshua J. Holland as a guest on The Smart Harder Podcast, hosted by Dr. Scott Sherr. They explore the critical role of foot health in longevity, performance, and overall wellbeing—diving into topics like barefoot living, proprioception, and the overlooked impact of toe strength. Josh shares key insights from his work with Vivo Barefoot and The Foot Collective, including his experience teaching at global conferences and his upcoming talk at the Health Optimization Medicine and Practice Symposium (October 17–18 in Boulder, CO). If you want to move better, age better, and reconnect with your body from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.⸻🧠 5 Key Takeaways • 70% of your body’s proprioception is in your feet—and most people are dulling it with shoes. • Longevity and balance start with strong toes, not supplements. • “Floor sitting” is a free and powerful tool for hip mobility, posture, and awareness. • Foot massages and barefoot play improve nervous system regulation (and connection). • If you want more health span—not just lifespan—start with your soles.⸻⏱️ Timestamps • 00:00 – Episode intro and Josh’s upcoming appearance at HOMe/HOPe Symposium • 03:00 – Josh’s background and growing focus on foot health • 06:00 – How The Foot Collective training changed Josh’s perspective • 09:00 – Why proprioception begins at the feet (and what that actually means) • 12:00 – The overlooked link between foot strength and fall risk in aging • 15:00 – What is “floor sitting” and why it rewires your hips and posture • 18:00 – Reflexology, partner foot massage, and reconnecting through the soles • 21:00 – Toe strength, balance, and why barefoot is not just a trend • 24:00 – Study: 57% foot strength improvement after 6 months of Vivo Barefoot use • 27:00 – Hacky sack, crawling, and the surprising power of adult play • 30:00 – How the biohacking world overlooks feet—and how to change that • 33:00 – Josh’s tips for anyone ready to move more and sit less • 36:00 – Upcoming events, activations, and final reflections⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Vivo Barefoot Shoes: https://www.vivobarefoot.com • The Foot Collective: https://www.thefootcollective.com • HOMe/HOPe Symposium (Oct 17–18 in Boulder): https://www.homehope.org • Study on Vivo Barefoot’s foot strength impact: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8096396/ • Follow Dr. Scott Sherr: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsher/https://troscriptions.com⸻🌐 Connect with Joshua & SWTTPodcast Website: https://www.simplywalkthetalk.comYouTube: @simplywalkthetalkInstagram: @simplywalkthetalkTikTok: @simplywalkthetalkJoshua Holland: https://linktr.ee/joshuajholland