Karl Sterling Podcast

In this enlightening video, Dr. Thomas Seyfried shares groundbreaking insights on how cancer should be understood as a metabolic disease rather than solely a genetic one. This paradigm shift has significant implications for cancer awareness and treatment approaches. By exploring the metabolic underpinnings of cancer, Dr. Seyfried opens up discussions on innovative therapies that challenge traditional oncology practices. Join us as we delve into critical topics such as immunotherapy and its role in oncology insights, while also emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and empowerment. Discover how these insights can impact survivorship support and provide empowered patients with the resources they need to navigate their cancer journey. Whether you're part of the oncology community or seeking knowledge for yourself or a loved one, this video is packed with valuable education on cancer research updates, wellness strategies, and survivorship programs. Tune in to gain therapeutic insights and practical survivorship tips that can help you or someone you know thrive in the face of cancer. Together, let's foster a more informed and empowered approach to cancer care.http://www.karlsterling.comhttp://www.brainbodybones.com

"La fuerza de tu agarre puede predecir cuánto vas a vivir mejor que tu colesterol. Quédate — esto está increíble."La fuerza de agarre no es solo para abrir frascos. Es uno de los predictores más consistentes de mortalidad por todas las causas en estudios de envejecimiento — en algunos casos, una correlación más fuerte que la presión arterial o el índice de masa corporal.¿Por qué? La fuerza de agarre es un indicador de la calidad muscular de todo el cuerpo y de la eficiencia neuromuscular. Refleja qué tan bien tu cerebro sigue comunicándose con tus músculos — el mismo impulso neural que te mantiene estable al caminar, rápido para reaccionar antes de una caída, y alerta bajo estrés físico.En NeuroMotor Training, medimos el agarre como parte de nuestra evaluación inicial precisamente por esto. Es rápido, es objetivo, y nos dice mucho sobre la reserva neuromuscular general de una persona — especialmente en nuestros pacientes con Parkinson o después de un derrame cerebral.No necesitas un dinamómetro sofisticado para empezar. Colgarte de una barra, cargar objetos pesados (farmer's carries), y apretar una pelota antiestrés con intención varias veces al día ayudan a fortalecer el agarre. Trata de medirlo — incluso un dinamómetro económico de $15 dólares te da un número para superar mes a mes."La fuerza no es solo para verte bien. Es una ventana hacia qué tan bien está envejeciendo tu sistema nervioso. Mide tu agarre. Entrénalo. Te muestro cómo en el próximo video."

Most people think protein is just about hitting a number — 100 grams, 150 grams, whatever your app tells you. But if you're over 40, *when* you eat that protein might matter almost as much as how much. Let me explain why.Here's something most people don't know: your body can only use so much protein at once to build and repair muscle. Research suggests there's a ceiling — somewhere around 30 to 40 grams per meal — where muscle protein synthesis maxes out. Eat way more than that in one sitting, and the extra doesn't just pile onto muscle-building. So if you're eating one huge protein-loaded dinner and skipping it the rest of the day, you're leaving a lot on the table.Here's where it gets more important as we age. There's a phenomenon called anabolic resistance — basically, older muscle doesn't respond to protein as efficiently as younger muscle. That means the same 20 grams that triggered a strong response at 25 might not do much at 65. The fix isn't complicated: slightly larger protein servings, spread more evenly across the day.In practice, this looks like three things. First — breakfast. Most people's most protein-poor meal. A couple eggs won't cut it if you're trying to hit that per-meal threshold. Second — post-exercise. Your muscles are primed to use protein efficiently in that window after training. Third — before bed. A slower-digesting protein source overnight can help offset the natural muscle breakdown that happens while you sleep.Why do I care about this as a neuromotor trainer and not just a nutrition coach? Because muscle loss — sarcopenia — isn't just a cosmetic issue. It's directly tied to balance, fall risk, and functional independence as we age. Every client I work with on neuromotor rehab benefits from having the raw materials — protein — to actually build back what we're training.So here's your takeaway: stop thinking about protein as one number for the day. Think about a palm-sized portion, at every meal. That's the shift that actually moves the needle

La mayoría de las personas piensan que la proteína se trata solo de alcanzar un número — 100 gramos, 150 gramos, lo que sea que diga tu aplicación. Pero si tienes más de 40 años, el momento en que comes esa proteína puede importar casi tanto como la cantidad. Déjame explicarte por qué.Esto es algo que la mayoría no sabe: tu cuerpo solo puede usar cierta cantidad de proteína a la vez para construir y reparar músculo. La investigación sugiere que hay un límite — alrededor de 30 a 40 gramos por comida — donde la síntesis de proteína muscular llega a su máximo. Si comes mucho más que eso de una sola vez, el exceso no simplemente se suma a la construcción muscular. Entonces, si comes una sola cena enorme cargada de proteína y te la saltas el resto del día, estás dejando mucho beneficio sin aprovechar.Aquí es donde se vuelve más importante conforme envejecemos. Existe un fenómeno llamado resistencia anabólica — básicamente, el músculo de una persona mayor no responde a la proteína tan eficientemente como el músculo joven. Eso significa que los mismos 20 gramos que generaban una respuesta fuerte a los 25 años, tal vez no hagan mucho a los 65. La solución no es complicada: porciones de proteína ligeramente más grandes, distribuidas de manera más uniforme a lo largo del día.En la práctica, esto se traduce en tres cosas. Primero — el desayuno. La comida más pobre en proteína para la mayoría de las personas. Un par de huevos no será suficiente si buscas alcanzar ese umbral por comida. Segundo — después del ejercicio. Tus músculos están preparados para usar la proteína eficientemente en esa ventana después de entrenar. Tercero — antes de dormir. Una fuente de proteína de digestión más lenta durante la noche puede ayudar a contrarrestar la degradación muscular natural que ocurre mientras duermes.¿Por qué me importa esto como entrenador neuromotor y no solo como coach de nutrición? Porque la pérdida muscular — sarcopenia — no es solo un problema estético. Está directamente relacionada con el equilibrio, el riesgo de caídas y la independencia funcional conforme envejecemos. Cada cliente con quien trabajo en rehabilitación neuromotora se beneficia de tener la materia prima — proteína — para realmente reconstruir lo que estamos entrenando.Así que aquí está tu conclusión: deja de pensar en la proteína como un solo número para el día. Piensa en una porción del tamaño de tu palma, en cada comida. Ese es el cambio que realmente hace la diferenciaL

Everyone's talking about zone 2 cardio for longevity. But what happens when a client can't get on a bike or hit a target heart rate because of a neurological condition?Zone 2 training — low-intensity, sustained effort — is one of the most cited longevity interventions out there. More mitochondrial density, better fat oxidation, stronger cardiovascular health. But most of that content assumes a healthy person on a treadmill or bike, hitting 60 to 70 percent of max heart rate for 30 to 45 minutes straight.For certain neurological clients, that model doesn't hold up. Heart rate response can be blunted by autonomic dysfunction or by medications like beta blockers and dopaminergic drugs. Pacing gets hard when gait is unstable or freezing episodes show up mid-session. Telling someone to 'just get on a bike for 45 minutes' isn't realistic — and it isn't always safe.Here's what actually matters: sustained, rhythmic, low-to-moderate effort that the nervous system can organize around. That's what dual-task treadmill work or a structured PowerPlate circuit can deliver — the same metabolic and mitochondrial stimulus, through a route that accounts for motor control instead of ignoring it.Zone 2 isn't wrong. It's just incomplete for certain clients. The real question isn't heart rate — it's how you get the benefit without needing perfect motor control to access it.

Todo el mundo habla del cardio en zona 2 para la longevidad. Pero, ¿qué pasa cuando un cliente no puede subirse a una bicicleta o alcanzar una frecuencia cardíaca objetivo por una condición neurológica?El entrenamiento en zona 2 — esfuerzo sostenido de baja intensidad — es una de las intervenciones de longevidad más citadas. Mayor densidad mitocondrial, mejor oxidación de grasa, salud cardiovascular más fuerte. Pero la mayoría de ese contenido asume una persona sana en una caminadora o bicicleta, entre 60 y 70 por ciento de su frecuencia cardíaca máxima, durante 30 a 45 minutos seguidos.Para ciertos clientes neurológicos, ese modelo no aplica. La respuesta de la frecuencia cardíaca puede estar disminuida por disfunción autonómica o por medicamentos como betabloqueantes o fármacos dopaminérgicos. Mantener el ritmo es difícil cuando la marcha es inestable o aparecen episodios de congelamiento. Decirle a alguien 'solo súbete a la bici 45 minutos' no es realista — y no siempre es seguro.Esto es lo que realmente importa: un esfuerzo sostenido, rítmico, de intensidad baja a moderada que el sistema nervioso pueda organizar. Eso es lo que un trabajo de doble tarea en caminadora o un circuito estructurado con PowerPlate pueden ofrecer — el mismo estímulo metabólico y mitocondrial, por una vía que sí toma en cuenta el control motor."La zona 2 no está mal. Simplemente es incompleta para ciertos clientes. La verdadera pregunta no es la frecuencia cardíaca — es cómo obtener el beneficio sin necesitar un control motor perfecto para lograrlo.

8/11/26: Three Parkinson's Myths - Busted

8/11/26: Tres Mitos Del Parkinson - Desmentidos

Harvard researcher David Sinclair has spent decades studying why we age — and one of his most important findings is this: short, controlled doses of stress actually activate the same survival genes that slow cellular aging.Exposure to cold. Heat. Fasting. Intense exercise. None of these feel good in the moment. But that's the point. Your body doesn't get stronger from comfort — it gets stronger by recovering from a challenge.When you stress the system enough, your cells respond by repairing, adapting, and becoming more resilient. Too little stress, and nothing changes. Too much, and you wear yourself out. But the right dose—that's where the magic happens.This is exactly the principle behind everything we do at NeuroMotor Training.Dual-task training. Loading at BioDensity. Reaction drills at REAX. None of this works because it's easy—it works because it's a controlled stressor that forces your brain and body to adapt.For our clients with Parkinson's especially, the nervous system needs a reason to rebuild neural pathways. Comfort doesn't provide that. Challenge does.So here's something you can try today: give your body a small, safe dose of stress.A splash of cold water on your face. A short walk before breakfast, on an empty stomach. A few minutes of exertion that gets your breath coming in.You're not punishing yourself—you're training your biology.Growth isn't found in the comfort zone. It's found right after it.And that's true whether you're 30 or 80.www.karlsterling.comwww.brainbodybones.com

El investigador de Harvard David Sinclair ha pasado décadas estudiando por qué envejecemos — y uno de sus hallazgos más importantes es este: dosis cortas y controladas de estrés en realidad activan los mismos genes de supervivencia que frenan el envejecimiento celular.Exposición al frío. Calor. Ayuno. Ejercicio intenso. Ninguno de estos se siente bien en el momento. Pero ese es el punto. Tu cuerpo no se fortalece con la comodidad — se fortalece al recuperarse de un desafío.Cuando estresas el sistema lo suficiente, tus células responden reparándose, adaptándose y volviéndose más resilientes. Muy poco estrés, y nada cambia. Demasiado, y te desgastas. Pero la dosis correcta — ahí es donde ocurre la magia.Este es exactamente el principio detrás de todo lo que hacemos en NeuroMotor Training.Entrenamiento de doble tarea. Carga en BioDensity. Ejercicios de reacción en REAX. Nada de esto funciona porque es fácil — funciona porque es un estresor controlado que obliga a tu cerebro y cuerpo a adaptarse.Para nuestros clientes con Parkinson's especialmente, el sistema nervioso necesita una razón para reconstruir vías neuronales. La comodidad no se la da. El desafío sí.Así que aquí tienes algo que puedes probar hoy: dale a tu cuerpo una pequeña dosis segura de estrés.Un chapuzón de agua fría en la cara. Una caminata corta antes del desayuno, en ayunas. Unos minutos de esfuerzo que te hagan respirar con fuerza.No te estás castigando — estás entrenando tu biología.El crecimiento no se encuentra en la zona cómoda. Se encuentra justo después de ella.Y eso es verdad ya sea que tengas 30 — o 80 años.

For me, it is important to set priorities that become 100% Non-Negotiable. I have many, including drinking a large glass of water with lemon juice first thing every morning. I stretch every morning without fail. I hydrate every day throughout the day. I never miss on these things. What are your non-negotiables?www.karlsterling.com

Top 5 Reasons NOW Is the Time to Invest in YOU1. **Insurance premiums just posted their biggest jump in over a decade.** Marketplace premiums rose roughly 26% on average for 2026, and out-of-pocket costs for many enrollees are spiking even higher — some analyses put actual payment increases near 114% — as enhanced subsidies expired. Premiums for the benchmark Affordable Care Act plan soared 26%, on average, with enrollees' actual premium payments expected to spike 114% due to the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/economy/health-insurance-premiums-cost-increase) Waiting on the system to get cheaper isn't a strategy — building your own resilience is.2. **Employer coverage isn't a safe harbor anymore either.** Employer-sponsored insurance costs are projected to increase by 9% for 2026 — the highest growth in fifteen years. [The Century Foundation](https://tcf.org/content/commentary/its-official-americans-will-pay-much-more-for-all-types-of-health-coverage-in-2026-including-medicare/) Even people with "good" coverage are absorbing bigger costs than ever.3. **Healthcare spending keeps outpacing what your body actually needs from it.** U.S. health care spending rose 7.5% between 2022–2023 and another 7.2% the following year, topping $15,000 per person. [Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/navigating-an-unaffordable-health-insurance-market) More dollars are going into the system, but that's not the same as more access or better outcomes for you personally.4. **Access is shrinking, not expanding.** As many as 21 states lost at least one marketplace insurer for 2026, and Aetna exited the ACA market altogether. [Commonwealth Fund](https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/putting-extraordinary-increase-aca-premiums-2026-perspective) Fewer insurers and higher risk pools mean fewer choices right when people need coverage most.5. **The system is built to treat illness after it happens — not to keep you out of it.** None of the trends above touch prevention, mobility, strength, balance, or neurological health. That work has always sat outside what insurance reimburses well, which means it's on you — and the earlier you start, the more ground you protect before you ever need the system that's getting more expensive and harder to access.**The bottom line:** healthcare and insurance are both moving in a direction that makes proactive care more valuable, not less. Investing in your training, mobility, and neurological health now is one of the few moves that pays off regardless of what happens to premiums or coverage next year.

Common early/possible signs of Parkinson's disease (per Parkinson's Foundation and Mayo Clinic guidance):Tremor – slight shaking in a finger, thumb, hand, or chin, often at restSmall handwriting (micrographia) – letters suddenly get smaller or more crampedLoss of smell – trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles, or licoriceTrouble sleeping – sudden movements during sleep, or thrashing/kicking (REM sleep behavior disorder)Stiffness or reduced arm swing – arm doesn't swing naturally when walking, or feels stiff/painfulConstipation – ongoing straining to have a bowel movement, unrelated to dietSoft or low voice (hypophonia) – others notice you're speaking much more quietly than beforeA few other signs sometimes included in "top 10" lists: masked/reduced facial expression, dizziness or fainting (blood pressure changes), and stooped or hunched posture — good options if you want to expand this into a longer video or a follow-up "3 more signs" piece.wwwkarlsterling.comwww.brainbodybones.com

part two in our posture series

Improve trunk rotation, posture, and shoulder mobility with this exercise Set up your one-on-one training sessions or therapies by contacting Karl at 315-935-7488 Also visit http //www.karlsterling.com

**The Sleep Aid Trap: What PM Meds Are Doing to Your Brain**That nightly Tylenol PM or ZzzQuil feels harmless — it's just an over-the-counter sleep aid, right? Not exactly. It's the same anticholinergic drug class as the Benadryl I broke down yesterday, and the science on long-term use is worth knowing before you reach for it tonight.In this video I cover:🧠 Why diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in most PM sleep aids) blocks acetylcholine — the neurotransmitter your brain relies on for memory and learning📊 What large cohort studies say about long-term, regular use and dementia risk — and why occasional use is a very different story than nightly use⚠️ How anticholinergic burden stacks up silently across allergy meds, bladder medications, and certain antidepressants💊 The Anticholinergic Burden Scale — a simple tool your pharmacist can check that most people have never heard of✅ What to actually do instead: sleep hygiene fundamentals, non-anticholinergic alternatives, and why you should never stop a regular medication cold turkey without talking to your prescriber firstThis is Part 2 of the hidden brain risks in your medicine cabinet series — start with yesterday's video on Benadryl if you missed it.👇 Drop a comment: which PM sleep aid do you use?🔔 Subscribe for tomorrow's follow-up: what your pharmacist can check in 5 minutes⚠️ This video is for educational purposes only and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing any medication.#BrainHealth #Neuroplasticity #SleepHealth #DementiaPrevention #NeuroMotorTraining

Calluses aren't just a foot problem — they're a brain problemThick skin blocks the signals your nervous system needs to balance and move wellTHE PROBLEMYour feet have thousands of sensory receptors (mechanoreceptors) that tell your brain where the ground isCalluses build up over pressure points — heels, balls of the feet, big toeThick, dead skin dulls that sensory signal before it ever reaches the brainThis is a proprioception problem, not just a skin problemWHY IT MATTERS FOR MOVEMENTLess foot sensation → brain gets a blurry picture of ground contactBody compensates by leaning on vision and other joints to stay balancedShows up as: poor balance, altered gait pattern, compensations up the chain (ankle, knee, hip, low back)Especially risky for older adults and anyone with an existing neurological or movement condition — the sensory margin is already thinTHE CONNECTION TO NEUROPLASTICITYSensorimotor input drives motor output — dull the input, and the brain's map of the foot gets less preciseThis is the same principle behind barefoot/minimalist training and sensory-based rehab workWHAT TO DO ABOUT ITRegular callus maintenance (file/pumice, don't just ignore it)Barefoot sensory work on varied textures (this is where Naboso-type surfaces come in)Balance and proprioceptive drills to retrain the foot-brain connectionDon't numb the input further with overly cushioned shoes 24/7Your feet are a sensory organ, not just a structural baseTake care of them like the rest of your nervous system depends on it — because it does

www.karlsterling.comLong-term, regular use of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as a sleep aid has real concerns for brain health:Anticholinergic burden and dementia risk — Several large studies (notably the 2015 JAMA Internal Medicine study) found a link between cumulative, long-term use of strong anticholinergic drugs like diphenhydramine and an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The risk appeared dose- and duration-dependent.Impaired cognition — Diphenhydramine blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory and learning. Regular use is associated with brain fog, slower processing speed, and short-term memory problems.Tolerance to sedative effects — The drowsiness effect typically wears off within days to weeks of nightly use, so people often don't get quality sleep benefit anymore but keep taking it, meaning the anticholinergic exposure continues without the intended payoff.Disrupted sleep architecture — Even when it does sedate, it tends to suppress REM sleep, which plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional processing.Next-day grogginess ("hangover effect") — Its long half-life (especially in older adults) can cause lingering drowsiness, poor concentration, and slowed reaction time the following day.Increased fall and accident risk in older adults — Combines sedation with anticholinergic effects like dizziness and blurred vision, which is part of why it's on the Beers Criteria list of medications considered potentially inappropriate for older adults.Withdrawal/rebound insomnia — Stopping after chronic use can cause rebound insomnia, reinforcing a cycle of dependence on the drug to sleep at all.Confusion/delirium risk — Particularly in elderly patients, higher anticholinergic exposure is linked to acute confusion and delirium episodes.Worth noting: this research is largely observational/correlational, so it shows an association rather than definitively proven causation — but the consistency across studies has been enough that many clinicians now steer patients away from routine diphenhydramine use for sleep, especially older adults or those with any cognitive concerns.

Spotify Reinstated Our Show — Here's What Happened 🎙️A few weeks ago, our podcast was pulled from Spotify under a "Dangerous Content" flag. We appealed right away — because nothing about our content violated their guidelines. Today, Spotify confirmed it in writing: the removal was a technical error, and the show has been fully reinstated.I'm sharing the whole story in this episode — what happened, how we handled it, and why the timing made it sting even more. We'd been putting in serious work to grow the show and reach more people, and in the three weeks leading up to the takedown, our traffic had grown by 1,400%. Getting pulled right in the middle of that momentum was tough, but seeing it resolved (and the numbers holding) means even more now.Thank you to everyone who kept listening, kept sharing, and reached out asking where the show went. This channel exists because of you.🎧 Listen to The Karl Sterling Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7J1IvzrhRWKq3qaSqA4pbu?si=zrkhBWbdQ8-LMSNEhI5P7g&utm_source=copy-linkDrop a comment and let me know what topics or guests you'd like to hear covered next — I read every one.#TheKarlSterlingPodcast #Neuroplasticity #Longevity #ParkinsonsAwareness #BrainHealth #NeuroMotorTraining

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Visit https://www.karlsterling.com/dr-lewis-brain-care to learn more about and to purchase Dr. Lewis Daily Brain Care formula

Learn more and purchase Daily Brain Care here https://www.karlsterling.com/dr-lewis-brain-care

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www.brainbodybones.com

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Learn the benefits of stretching in this daily vlog. I am testing a new Nikon Z30 vlogging setup to share my personal routine.This video documents my Sunday, July 12th, 2026. If you are curious about how I organize my thoughts while filming, you will see my notes displayed directly on my phone. Whether you are looking to improve your flexibility or just want a look at my latest vlog setup, this session breaks down why making time for mobility matters.I experiment with a wide-angle lens to get a better perspective on my daily workflow. By focusing on the benefits of stretching, I hope to encourage you to incorporate more movement into your own schedule. This Nikon Z30 vlogging gear helps me keep the content clear while I talk through my process.Subscribe for weekly vlogging setup tips and comment below: what is your favorite way to incorporate stretching into your morning routine?

Discover the benefits of laughter and how it serves as a natural tool to reduce stress in your daily routine.In today's vlog, Karl breaks down why laughing is essential for maintaining both physical health and psychological well-being. If you are looking for simple, actionable ways to improve your mood, this discussion provides a clear perspective on how your body reacts to humor.By understanding how laughter lowers cortisol levels, you can better manage daily pressures. We explore the science behind these reactions, offering practical insights for anyone interested in effective stress relief techniques. Incorporating more humor into your life is a sustainable way to support your overall mental health tips.Subscribe for daily wellness breakdowns, and let me know in the comments: what is the last thing that made you genuinely laugh?

Today is my mom's heavenly birthday, and I'm holding space for her memory while sharing something close to my heart: my new children's book, Why Does Grandma Forget My Name?, is officially out.This book was written for kids ages 4–9 to help them understand dementia with compassion, honesty, and hope — the kind of conversation I wish more families had access to. It's a story about connection outlasting memory, and love that doesn't need a name to be real.If you've ever watched someone you love change in front of you, or struggled to explain it to a child, this book is for you.📖 Grab your copy: https://a.co/d/06QOOkJl💛 In memory of my mom — this one's for you.#WhyDoesGrandmaForgetMyName #DementiaAwareness #ChildrensBooks #NeuroMotorTraining #KarlSterling #InLovingMemory

Andrew ScheimGoogle search @bluezwater**Guest & Background**Andrew, a former professional blues musician, brings a systems-based, "chapter by chapter" approach to holistic health drawing from acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine. He frames illness through the lens of gut integrity, generational trauma, and environmental/self-generated toxicity.**Core Framework: Gut Health & Detox**- **Leaky gut**: explained via a "bathroom tile grout" analogy — when intestinal cell junctions break down, toxins leak into the bloodstream, which he says triggers autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.- **Transit time & microbiome**: he describes healthy gut function as requiring regular elimination, with poor "microbial mulching" leading to pathogen buildup (e.g., long-term Candida, which he links to cancer risk).- **Treatment escalation**: he suggests mild cases may just need high-end probiotics, while severe cases need more aggressive intervention — rectal ozone therapy (to break down biofilm and kill pathogens), followed by "electrostatic charge therapy" (a high-frequency Russian-derived technique using ionized/oxygenated fields on organs).- **"Ground troops"**: he describes using military-grade soil bacteria strains (Russian and U.S.-sourced, including a claim about ivermectin's soil-bacteria origins) to recolonize gut flora after "bombing" pathogens.- **"Pump and filter" program**: vibration/rebounding machines to mechanically move lymph and drive therapies deeper into cells, paired with binders (charcoal, diatomaceous earth) to absorb released toxins and manage die-off reactions, plus heavy metal/chemical chelation.**Music & the Body**The conversation shifts into an exchange between Karl (a former 35-year professional drummer) and Andrew about rhythm, groove, and healing — comparing the body to a drum (fascia as drumhead, acupuncture points as tuning screws), discussing gait/rhythm entrainment in neurological patients, cranial-sacral rhythm, and reminiscing about jazz legends (Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Scott Hamilton).**Close**Andrew offers a free one-hour wellness consultation, directs listeners to his YouTube channel ("Bluesy Water"), and the two agree to record a part two. Andrew is based in Albuquerque.---**Disclaimer:** This summary reflects claims made by the guest during the conversation and does not constitute medical advice or an endorsement of these practices. Several statements — including ozone therapy "bombing" pathogens, soil-bacteria products described as "military grade," a proposed link between fungal infection and cancer, the ivermectin origin story, and the safety/efficacy framing of EDTA chelation and electrostatic charge therapy — are not well-supported by mainstream clinical evidence and may be contested or unproven. Listeners should consult a licensed healthcare provider before pursuing any of the therapies discussed.

Get Karl's new book atwww.brainbodybones.com

Get Karl's Karl newest Karl new book atwww.brainbodybones.com

www.brainbodybones.comSleep isn't downtime — it's one of the most active repair processes your body runs. During deep sleep, your brain clears out metabolic waste through the glymphatic system, consolidates memory, and regulates hormones tied to inflammation, blood sugar, and stress. Chronic poor sleep is linked to higher risk of neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and accelerated cellular aging.In this video, I break down why sleep quality — not just quantity — is one of the most powerful levers you have for longevity, and simple ways to protect it starting tonight.

www.brainbodybones.comwww.karlsterling.comYour Brain Doesn't Care About Motivation — Here's What Actually WorksMotivation is a lie. Or at least — it's not what you think it is.We treat motivation like a prerequisite. We wait to feel ready before we act, as if some internal switch has to flip before we're allowed to move forward. But that's not how your brain actually works.Motivation Follows Action — Not the Other Way AroundYour brain isn't wired to feel motivated first and then act. It's wired in reverse. Action creates motivation.Every time you sit around waiting to "feel ready," you're waiting on a neurochemical event that may never arrive on its own.Dopamine — the chemical most people associate with motivation — doesn't show up before the work. It shows up during the work, once you've already started moving.This is one of the most counterintuitive truths in neuroscience, and once you understand it, it changes how you approach everything: training, recovery, work, discipline.Stop Chasing Motivation. Start Engineering Momentum.If motivation isn't something you can wait for, what do you actually do?You engineer momentum instead.One small movement.One rep.One sentence.That's the trigger your brain actually responds to. Not a feeling. Not inspiration. A first step, however small, that gives your nervous system something to build on.What I've Learned From Patients Rebuilding Their BodiesIn the clinic, I see this play out constantly with stroke patients, Parkinson's patients, and people rebuilding their bodies from nothing.The ones who recover fastest aren't the most "motivated." They're the ones who keep showing up — especially on the low days, when motivation is nowhere to be found.Discipline isn't the opposite of motivation. It's the bridge to it.The Shift That Changes EverythingSo today, don't wait to feel like it. Just start. Your brain will catch up.That's the whole secret — not more willpower, not more inspiration, just the willingness to begin before you feel ready.Want more on the neuroscience of movement, recovery, and mindset? Subscribe to The Karl Sterling Podcast or follow along on YouTube for weekly breakdowns of the science behind lasting change.

Persistence: The One Skill That Changes EverythingMotivation fades. Persistence is what remains when it does. In this episode, I break down why persistence isn't about willpower — it's a trainable skill rooted in how your brain forms habits and rewires itself over time.Whether you're recovering from injury, managing a neurological condition, or just trying to stick to a goal, understanding the neuroscience behind persistence can change how you show up every single day.If you've ever felt like you "don't have what it takes," this episode is for you. Spoiler: it was never about talent — it's about the decision to keep going, especially on the days it feels impossible.🧠 In this video:Why persistence outperforms motivation long-termThe brain science behind habit formation and gritPractical strategies to build unshakeable persistenceHow this applies to recovery, fitness, and everyday life👉 Subscribe for more on neuroscience, discipline, and building a resilient mind and body📚 Learn more in my book Brain, Body, Boneswww.brainbodybones.com#Persistence #Neuroscience #Discipline #Mindset #BrainHealth #NeuroMotorTraining #ParkinsonsAwareness

The Gratitude Practice I Do Every Day

www.karlsterling.comwww.brainbodybones.com**DISCIPLINE VS. MOTIVATION**Motivation got you to day one. Discipline is why you're still here on day three hundred. Nobody talks about that gap — so let's fix that.Motivation is a feeling, and feelings are unreliable. It shows up when things are new, exciting, easy — and it disappears the second things get boring, hard, or repetitive. If you wait until you "feel like it," you'll end up training twice a month.Discipline isn't willpower, and it isn't grinding through pain. Discipline is a decision you already made, on a day you don't have to remake it. You don't decide to train — you just train. The decision is closed.Here's the neuroscience of it. Motivation lives in dopamine — anticipation, novelty, reward prediction. Dopamine spikes, then it adapts. That's not a flaw, that's the system working exactly as designed. Discipline bypasses the dopamine dependency entirely. It runs on identity, not chemistry. "I'm someone who shows up" beats "I feel like showing up" — every single time.So stop chasing motivation. You'll always lose that chase. Build systems that don't need it — same time, same place, no negotiation with yourself.Motivation is a spark. Discipline is the structure that keeps the fire going after the spark's gone. You don't need to feel ready. You need to show up anyway. That's the whole secret — it was never complicated, just uncomfortable.

Every year that you wait to start training your brain and body, you're not standing still — you're losing ground.www.karlsterling.comwww.karlsvlog.comSame thing in business. Same thing in life. Waiting isn't neutral. It's a decision with a price tag.Today: why "I'll start when things settle down" is the most expensive sentence you'll ever say.I see it in the clinic every week: someone waits until the diagnosis is scary, until the fall already happened, until the decline is obvious — then they call me.Same pattern in my own business decisions. Waiting for the "right time" to launch, to expand, to commit.The right time doesn't announce itself. It just costs you the months you spent waiting for it.Neuroplasticity doesn't wait for you. The brain is either building pathways or losing them — every single day.Same with bone density, balance, muscle. It's not decline OR growth. It's always one or the other.So "waiting" isn't a pause button. It's actively choosing the losing side of that equation.I built this company waiting for permission that never came — perfect funding, perfect timing, perfect certainty.The moves that actually mattered — opening in Mexico, writing the book, taking the regulatory fight head-on — happened because I stopped waiting for certainty and started with what I had.Same principle, different domain: compounding works both directions. Time either builds your case or erodes it.You don't need the perfect moment. You need to start the compounding in your favor today.One small action now beats a perfect plan later — in your body, and in your life.If you've been waiting for a sign: this is it.

**Why I Don't Do Sleepovers or Dinner Parties**I don't stay overnight at people's houses. I don't go to dinner parties. And no — it's not because I'm anti-social.After long days of work and teaching, I need that time to myself to recover — to manage my mental and emotional energy so I can keep showing up fully for my clients, my students, and the people who matter most. In this video I break down the real reason behind this boundary.If you've ever felt drained after "just visiting" someone, this one's for you.**In this video:**- Why recovery time isn't optional after a full day of teaching and client work- How I manage my mental and emotional energy without over-explaining myself- Protecting the boundary so I can keep showing up at my best📖 Grab my book "Brain, Body, Bones: The Science of Living Stronger, Longer" (also available in Spanish as "Cerebro, Cuerpo, Huesos"): brianbodybones.com🎙️ Listen to The Karl Sterling Podcast: karlsterling.net💪 Learn more about NeuroMotor Training: neuromotortraining.com#Boundaries #MentalHealth #Recovery #Mindset #Longevity

www.karlsterling.comwww.karlsvlog.comYears ago, I almost went to a free outdoor symphony concert. Seven o'clock. Beautiful evening. I was genuinely excited.Six-fifty rolls around. I didn't go.Nothing happened. I just… didn't go. And here's the strange part — I wasn't even disappointed.That's when it hit me: sometimes the idea of doing the thing is better than actually doing the thing.This isn't laziness. It's neuroscience.Dopamine isn't the pleasure chemical — it's the *anticipation* chemical. It fires hardest not when you get the thing, but when you're expecting it. Your brain runs a frictionless simulation of the experience — no traffic, no awkward moments, no mosquitoes. The imagined version is always the highlight reel.Reality can't compete with a simulation that had no friction in it.I see this every day in my work with Parkinson's patients, fall-risk adults, and people who want to stay sharp as they age. The gap between *wanting* to be well and *showing up* to become well — that's not a motivation problem. That's a neurological gap.The circuitry that makes doing feel as good as dreaming only gets built one way: by doing.Every time you show up when the couch made a reasonable argument, you're casting a vote for a stronger version of yourself. Those votes accumulate.The fantasy is the preview. The doing is the movie.Stop living in the trailer.🔗 karlsterling.com | karlsvlog.com

www.karlsterling.comwww.karlsvlog.comWhat if the thing you've been working toward your whole life — the ease, the rest, the finally getting to slow down — is actually working against you?I'm not saying relaxation is bad. I'm not saying you haven't earned a break. But your biology doesn't care what you've earned. The systems inside your body — your brain, your muscles, your bones — respond to one thing. Demand.When demand drops, they downgrade. Quietly. Gradually. And by the time most people notice, the gap between where they are and where they want to be is much harder to close.**Your Brain**Your nervous system is constantly remodeling itself based on the inputs it receives. That's neuroplasticity — and it's not something reserved for rehab or recovery. It's happening in all of us, every day.Here's what most people miss: neuroplasticity isn't automatic. The brain doesn't stay sharp because you want it to. It rewires in response to challenge. Novel input. Unpredictable demand. When life becomes routine and easy, the brain starts pruning the circuits it isn't using.Think about someone who stops walking on uneven terrain. The sensory maps the brain uses to navigate complex surfaces start to fade. Proprioceptive signals get quieter. Responses get slower. Not because of age. Because of absence.The comfortable couch isn't neutral. It's training your nervous system to need less from itself.**Your Body**The same logic applies below the neck.Muscle, bone, and connective tissue don't maintain themselves. They adapt upward under load — and decline when load disappears.Bone density is driven by mechanical stress. When you load your skeleton through impact, resistance, and weight-bearing movement, you signal the cells responsible for building new bone to stay active. When that signal goes quiet, resorption outpaces formation. Density drops. Not because of disease. Because the body stopped receiving a reason to hold on to what it built.Muscle loss begins quietly in your thirties and accelerates the moment movement becomes optional. The body's default setting isn't maintenance. It's decline. Comfort removes the only signal that overrides that default.**The Trap**Comfort compounds.The less you do, the less you can do. The less you can do, the less you want to. And the less you want to, the easier it is to find reasons not to. That spiral is slow and quiet. Most people don't see it until something forces them to look — a fall, a diagnosis, a moment that reframes everything.The culture isn't helping. We celebrate ease. We hold up retirement and leisure as the reward for a life well-lived. And rest absolutely has a place — as recovery, as restoration, as part of a larger plan. But comfort as a destination? That's where longevity goes to die.**What Actually Works**Longevity requires deliberate, progressive challenge. Physical challenge — movement that loads your skeleton, taxes your muscles, and demands real balance. Cognitive challenge — tasks that force your brain to process and respond in real time. Sensory challenge — novel environments and unpredictable surfaces your nervous system can't simply tune out.The most powerful training combines these simultaneously. Dual-task work — moving while thinking, navigating while processing — creates demand that routine exercise doesn't. It's the difference between walking a treadmill and walking through life.The goal isn't to suffer. It's to stay just beyond your current capacity. That edge is where your brain, your bones, and your muscles all receive the same message: stay ready.The people who age best are not the ones who rested the most. They're the ones who kept asking more of themselves — consistently, intelligently, and before they had no choice.Comfort is something you visit. It's not somewhere you live.

http://www.karlsterling com**Parkinson's Regeneration Training**A Parkinson's diagnosis doesn't have to mean decline. In *Parkinson's Regeneration Training*, Karl Sterling draws on his deep clinical experience to show patients and caregivers that the brain and body are far more adaptable than most people are told. Through targeted movement strategies rooted in neuroplasticity, this book offers a practical, empowering roadmap for reclaiming strength, balance, and confidence — one session at a time. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this is the guide that meets you where you are and shows you what's still possible.---**Parkinson's Empowerment Training**Living well with Parkinson's takes more than medication — it takes movement, mindset, and the right support. *Parkinson's Empowerment Training* builds on Karl Sterling's proven methodology to give patients and their families the tools to take an active role in the disease management process. With clear, compassionate guidance, this book helps readers understand how exercise and sensorimotor training can slow progression, improve quality of life, and restore a sense of control. Because feeling empowered isn't a luxury — it's part of the treatment.---**Brain, Body, Bones: The Science of Living Stronger, Longer**What if the secret to a longer, healthier life was already inside you — waiting to be activated? *Brain Body Bones* is Karl Sterling's most comprehensive work yet, weaving together the latest science on neurological health, physical resilience, and bone density into a guide that anyone can use. Drawing on his work with patients across the United States and Mexico, Karl makes complex science feel personal and actionable, showing readers how movement, mindset, and smart training can transform aging from something to fear into something to embrace. This is the book for anyone who refuses to simply get old.

**I've Been Doing IV Drip Therapy for 90 Days — Here's What Actually Happened**Three months ago I added IV drip therapy to my protocol. Here's my honest assessment — what I noticed, what changed, and why it makes physiological sense.I spend my time studying what keeps the brain and body performing — neuroplasticity, movement, osteogenic loading, sensorimotor integration. So when I added IV therapy, I paid attention.**Why IV over oral supplements?**Oral absorption ranges from 20–80% depending on your gut health, age, and diet. IV bypasses all of that — 100% bioavailability, every time. That variable is eliminated.**What I noticed over 90 days:**- More consistent energy — the afternoon drag is gone- Sharper mental clarity during cognitively demanding work across two countries- Faster recovery between training sessions- An overall sense of feeling younger and more vibrant**What's in the drip and why it matters:**B vitamins support neurological function and energy metabolism. Vitamin C at IV doses reaches antioxidant levels impossible to achieve orally. Magnesium drives 300+ enzymatic reactions including muscle function and sleep. Glutathione — the master antioxidant — supports cellular detox and mitochondrial health. Zinc bolsters immune function. Mitochondrial health drives neurological resilience: better cognition, less inflammation, more adaptive capacity.**Is this for you?**If you're performance-focused — brain, body, longevity — and you're doing the basics right but still missing something, this is worth exploring. Get bloodwork first. Know your deficiencies. Don't guess.I'm continuing the drips and will share a six-month update. Drop your questions in the comments.Both my Syracuse clinic and Mexico locations are integrating nutritional support into our protocols.🌐 karlsterling.com📹 karlsvlog.com*This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before starting any IV therapy protocol.*

http://brainbodybones.comhttp://www.karlsterling.comhttp://Karlsvlog.comI played drums professionally for over 35 years. And then I stopped. Not because I had to — because I chose to. Today I'm going to tell you why.Music was my identity for most of my adult life. Drumming specifically — there's nothing like it. It's physical, it's neurological, it's primal. I understood rhythm before I understood almost anything else.But there came a point where I had to ask myself a hard question: is this still who I am? Or is it who I was?When I found this work — NeuroMotor Training, neuroplasticity, helping people with Parkinson's and movement disorders reclaim their lives — something shifted. The purpose I felt in that room with a patient taking their first steady steps without a walker? That hit differently than any stage ever did.I'm not saying performing wasn't meaningful. It was. But meaning evolves. And when you find something that pulls harder than anything you've ever felt, you follow it.Here's what nobody talks about: identity is the hardest thing to let go of. Drummer was who I was at parties, on my resume, in my own head. Walking away from that label felt like a loss — even when the decision was completely right.What I've learned is that identity should serve your mission — not the other way around. When a label starts to weigh more than it lifts, it's time to set it down.I didn't lose drumming — I transformed it. The rhythmic precision, the coordination, the dual-task processing, the neurological awareness of timing and pattern — that's all alive in the work I do now. I just express it differently.My appreciation for drummers like II from Sleep Token or Anika Nilles — that's still there. I listen. I notice. I just don't perform.Longevity isn't just physical. It's about having the courage to evolve — to release a version of yourself that no longer fits so a better one can emerge.I'm more focused, more purposeful, and more energized at this stage of my life than I've ever been. That's not an accident. That's what happens when you align what you do with what you're actually here to do.If you're holding onto an identity that no longer serves you — this is your sign to examine it. Not abandon it blindly. Examine it.See you tomorrow.

Some of the things I see that blow my mind:- Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who do not actually have it — receiving dopaminergic medications with no benefit and real side effects- Patients diagnosed with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) who do not have it — a devastating label that carries a terminal prognosis and profound psychological impact- Patients with true Parkinson's misdiagnosed as Essential Tremor — missing the window for early intervention and neuroprotective lifestyle strategies- Patients with Essential Tremor misdiagnosed as Parkinson's — living with unnecessary fear, stigma, and medications they don't need- Patients with true Parkinson's who receive no diagnosis at all — left without answers, support, or appropriate care while the disease progresses untreated- Parkinson's mimics that are frequently overlooked — drug-induced parkinsonism, vascular parkinsonism, normal pressure hydrocephalus, PSP, and CBD- The role of symptom overlap — tremor, rigidity, gait changes, and slowness appear across multiple conditions, making clinical distinction genuinely difficult- The consequences of misdiagnosis compound over time — wrong medications, delayed proper treatment, unnecessary side effects, emotional trauma, and lost quality of life- Patients who self-advocate and seek second opinions often discover the truth years later — and wonder what those years cost them- A call to action: thorough neurological evaluation, movement disorder specialist referral, and ongoing reassessment are not optional — they are essential- Compounding the crisis: a significant national shortage of neuropsychologists — specialists separately essential for cognitive and behavioral assessment in movement disorder patients — means that even when a referral is warranted, access is often delayed, limited, or simply unavailablehttp://www.karlsterling.comhttp://www.brainbodybones.com

I want to share some thoughts that go beyond the usual health tips. Our current political climate is more than just a backdrop to our lives; it’s a significant factor affecting our physical and mental well-being. Here’s a glimpse of what we discussed in our latest episode:Key Takeaways:Chronic Stress from Political Division: The constant division, fear-mongering, and denial of science create a toxic environment that leads to chronic stress. This stress can cause high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.Denial of Global Warming: Ignoring scientific facts about climate change fosters mistrust and division, contributing to a culture of fear that negatively impacts our health.Social Media and "Doom Scrolling": Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok often amplify negativity and misinformation. This behavior, known as "doom scrolling," can harm our mental health by breeding anger, fear, and mistrust.Immigration and Deportation Policies: The increase in deportations under various administrations has severe health consequences for immigrant families. Fear of deportation leads to reduced healthcare visits, worsening public health outcomes.Militarization of U.S. Cities: The presence of troops in cities like Portland creates a warzone-like atmosphere, which is demoralizing for troops and unsettling for communities.Mass Shootings: The U.S. has experienced over 4,000 mass shootings between 2009 and 2024. This epidemic, fueled by an obsession with guns and toxic politics, leads to PTSD, grief, and trauma in communities.Misinformation about Groups like Antifa: Fearmongering about groups like Antifa being terrorist organizations is misleading and divisive. Chronic fear raises cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart attack risk, weakens immunity, and shortens lives.Importance of Free Speech: Free speech is crucial for health and democracy. Without it, doctors can’t warn us about pollution, scientists can’t share pandemic truths, and journalists can’t hold leaders accountable.Why This Matters:Unity Over Division: We need to come together, rebuild trust, and focus on truth. Democracy and truth are essential for our health and well-being.Practical Steps: Stop doom scrolling, question what you see online, and seek unity over division. Practice community service, volunteer, and perform random acts of kindness.Final Thoughts:Your health matters, and the political climate we live in is making us sicker. It’s time to demand leaders who unite instead of divide, who tell the truth instead of lying, and who protect health instead of weaponizing fear.Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let’s continue to strive for a healthier, more united world.Warm regards,Karl SterlingI hope this newsletter sparks your curiosity and encourages you to listen to the full episode. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and prioritize our health and well-being.Stay healthy and united,Karlhttp://www.karlsterling.com

🎙️ Dive into Metabolic Health with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino! 🎙️ I had the pleasure of chatting with the brilliant Dr. Dominic D'Agostino. If you're passionate about health, nutrition, and exercise, this episode is a must-listen! Here are some of the key takeaways and intriguing insights we discussed: 🌟 Main Highlights: Exercise as Metabolic Therapy: Discover how exercise acts as a powerful metabolic therapy. Learn about the emerging field of exercise oncology and its role in cancer management. Understand how physical activity boosts the immune system and releases anti-cancer factors. Preventative Health Measures: The importance of routine screenings like dermatological checks and colonoscopies. Insights into maintaining a healthy body composition and combating "energy toxicity." Nutrition in Medical Education: Dr. D'Agostino's passion for integrating nutrition into medical training. The impact of proper nutrition on managing and curing health issues. Ketogenic Diets and Fasting: The therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets and fasting for cancer patients. How fasting can lower glucose levels and enhance the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy. Exercise and Cancer Treatment: The synergy between exercise and chemotherapy. How exercise improves circulation and stimulates the immune system. Exogenous Ketones: The benefits of ketone supplements in elevating ketone levels without dietary changes. The glucose-ketone index as a crucial biomarker for managing metabolic health. Metabolic Psychiatry: The growing field of metabolic psychiatry and its potential benefits for mental health conditions. Ongoing research into how ketogenic therapies can stabilize brain energy and restore neurotransmitter balance. Community and Social Support: The importance of exercising in a group setting for better outcomes. How social connections and support can enhance motivation and adherence to a healthy lifestyle. 🥗 Practical Tips: Affordable Nutrition:** Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh ones and can be more affordable. Protein for Plant-Based Diets:** Combining different food sources to obtain all essential amino acids and incorporating healthy fats like coconut oil and avocado oil. Routine Health Monitoring:** Regular check-ups, body composition analysis, and bloodwork to stay on top of your health. 💡 Key Takeaway: Prioritizing health through informed dietary choices, regular exercise, and routine screenings can yield significant long-term benefits. Let's make health a community effort and support each other on this journey! Thank you for being part of our community and for your continued support. Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into metabolic health and discover how you can enhance your well-being. Stay healthy and active! Warm regards, Karl Sterling P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us. We love hearing from you! 🌟