Stoic Bodywork Podcast

The 100 Questions series continues with a harder look at the health and wellness industry itself.In Episode 014, Phil breaks down some of the biggest problems in modern pain, recovery, fitness, massage, and bodywork culture. He challenges the common messaging around “pushing through pain,” explains why symptom relief is often mistaken for true progress, and lays out why so many people spend years inside wellness systems without ever getting meaningful change.This episode also explores what separates relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, and Stoic Bodywork’s more integrated fascial-based approach. Phil explains why strength gains alone do not always fix movement quality or pain, why trainers are often underprepared to handle dysfunction and injury, and why mobility, flexibility, balance, stability, and tissue health are still widely misunderstood.The conversation then widens into practitioner standards and public trust: what certifications do and do not actually prove, what questions people should ask before booking with a trainer or bodyworker, how to spot red flags, why bad information spreads so easily on social media, and why fascia remains one of the most misunderstood pieces of the human movement system.This is one of the more direct episodes in the series. It is part critique, part philosophy, and part call for a better standard of education, thinking, and practice across the industry.In this episode, Phil covers:* The biggest lie the wellness industry tells people about pain and recovery* Why “no pain, no gain” is so often misused* Why so many people spend years in wellness systems without seeing real results* How symptom relief gets confused with true structural progress* Why so many tools, treatments, and trends fail to create lasting change* The difference between relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, and Stoic Bodywork* How an integrated fascial-based approach differs from standard bodywork and standard fitness* Why people can get stronger in the gym and still move poorly or stay in pain* What most trainers still get wrong about pain, dysfunction, and injury* What the corrective exercise and wellness industries misunderstand about mobility, stability, flexibility, and tissue health* Why “rest it” and “push through it” are both incomplete models* What most practitioners still misunderstand about adaptation, compensation, and healing* What certifications actually tell you about a practitioner, and what they do not* What questions to ask before booking with any bodyworker or trainer* The red flags that suggest a practitioner is out of their depth* Why bad pain and recovery information spreads so fast on social media* What the industry still misunderstands about fascia and performance* What better education in bodywork, training, and anatomy should look likeHaving Trouble Sleeping? - Grab a jar of Stoic Sleep today. Use code Stoic for $5 off your first jar.Purebulk.com - For all your supplement needs. Use code Stoicbodywork15 for 15% off your first order and code STOICBODYWORK for 10% ANY order after that.Manifestation Statecraft - Looking for more Self-Awareness or a manifestation system that actually works? Check out the FREE first module of the course to learn how to turn your imagination into reality.ExcerptA lot of people are told that pain is normal, that soreness means progress, and that if something feels off they should either rest completely or push straight through it. In Part 4 of the 100 Questions series, Phil explains why those messages fail people and what a more intelligent model of recovery and training actually looks like.SEO titleStoic Bodywork Episode 014: Pain Myths, Fascia, Certifications, and Industry Critique | 100 Questions Part 4SEO meta descriptionEpisode 014 of the Stoic Bodywork Podcast critiques pain myths, symptom-based wellness, fascia misunderstandings, trainer education, certifications, and bad recovery advice in Part 4 of the 100 Questions series.TagsStoic Bodywork Podcast, pain recovery, fascia, bodywork, massage therapy, functional training, certifications, wellness industry, chronic pain, movement health This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

The 100 Questions series continues with a deep dive into the training side of the Stoic Bodywork method.In Episode 013, Phil shifts the conversation toward functional training, movement quality, injury recovery, and long-term resilience. He explains what functional training actually is, why he pairs bodywork with training instead of treating them as separate disciplines, and how the Stoic model bridges pain relief, correction, and performance.This episode also gets into the practical side of programming. Phil covers how to build around pain and post-injury limitations, the movement patterns he sees as foundational, why so many people train hard for years and still feel broken, and what strength training can and cannot do for tissue health and injury prevention.From there, the discussion expands into hypermobility, progressive overload for people with chronic pain histories, return-to-training decisions after major injury, the true purpose of warmups, the role of recovery and deloading, and how to handle asymmetries or structural differences that are not fully going away.If you are trying to understand how to train without constantly beating up your body, this episode lays out the philosophy behind doing that with more precision.In this episode, Phil covers:* What functional training is and how it differs from conventional gym training* Why Stoic Bodywork pairs bodywork with functional training* What functional training adds that bodywork alone does not address* How to build a training plan for someone in pain or post-injury* The non-negotiable movement foundations in the Stoic method* The most common movement dysfunctions and how to correct them* Why hard training alone often leaves people feeling worse, not better* The real role of strength training in tissue health and injury prevention* How to approach training for hypermobile clients* How to use load and progressive overload in people with chronic pain histories* How to think about return to high-level training after significant injury* What a proper warmup actually does physiologically* Why recovery, active rest, and deload weeks matter* How to program around asymmetry or structural difference* The difference between training around pain and training through painHaving Trouble Sleeping? - Grab a jar of Stoic Sleep today. Use code Stoic for $5 off your first jar.Purebulk.com - For all your supplement needs. Use code Stoicbodywork15 for 15% off your first order and code STOICBODYWORK for 10% ANY order after that.Manifestation Statecraft - Looking for more Self-Awareness or a manifestation system that actually works? Check out the FREE first module of the course to learn how to turn your imagination into reality.ExcerptA lot of people train hard, stay consistent, and still end up feeling broken. In Part 3 of the 100 Questions series, Phil explains why that happens and how functional training, recovery, and pain-aware programming can change the outcome.SEO titleStoic Bodywork Episode 013: Functional Training, Recovery, and Pain | 100 Questions Part 3SEO meta descriptionPart 3 of Stoic Bodywork’s 100 Questions series covers functional training, injury recovery, hypermobility, warmups, recovery, asymmetry, and pain-smart programming.Tagsfunctional training, injury recovery, chronic pain, hypermobility, warmup, recovery, movement dysfunction, Stoic Bodywork Podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

The second installment of the 100 Questions series moves into one of the biggest topics in bodywork and recovery: pain.In Part 2 of the 100 Questions series, Phil focuses on pain and dysfunction. He breaks down structural vs. neurological pain, central sensitization, proprioception, trigger points, posture, chronic tension, and why pain often shows up in predictable places like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The episode also connects breathing mechanics, diaphragm function, foam rolling, sleep, and gut health to musculoskeletal recovery.In this episode, Phil works through a full section of questions centered on how pain functions, why it can last long after tissue has technically healed, and how the body’s structural, neurological, and autonomic systems all shape what a person feels.He explains the difference between structural pain and neurological pain, how central sensitization can keep the body reactive, why proprioception matters in both injury and recovery, and why so many chronic pain patterns tend to show up in the same places over and over again.The conversation then expands into the larger recovery picture. Phil covers hip flexors and hamstrings, trigger points and tender points, posture, foam rolling, breathing mechanics, diaphragm function, sleep quality, and the relationship between gut health and chronic musculoskeletal issues.This is a practical episode, but also a broader one. It is about pain not just as a symptom, but as a language the body uses—and how better interpretation can lead to better treatment decisions.In this episode, Phil covers:* The difference between structural pain and neurological pain* Why pain can continue long after an injury appears to have healed* What central sensitization is* How proprioception affects movement, injury, and recovery* The role of the autonomic nervous system in chronic tension and pain* Why hip flexors and hamstrings are so commonly involved in dysfunction* Why chronic pain often appears in predictable places like the lower back, neck, and shoulders* The difference between trigger points and tender points* How much posture actually matters* What the research says about foam rolling and self-myofascial release* How breathing mechanics affect musculoskeletal function* Why the diaphragm matters far beyond breathing alone* How sleep affects tissue recovery and pain perception* The relationship between the gut and chronic musculoskeletal issuesHaving Trouble Sleeping? - Grab a jar of Stoic Sleep today. Use code Stoic for $5 off your first jar.Purebulk.com - For all your supplement needs. Use code Stoicbodywork15 for 15% off your first order and code STOICBODYWORK for 10% ANY order after that.Manifestation Statecraft - Looking for more Self-Awareness or a manifestation system that actually works? Check out the FREE first module of the course to learn how to turn your imagination into reality.ExcerptPain is not always as simple as “something is damaged.” In this second episode of the 100 Questions series, Phil breaks down how pain patterns are shaped by structure, nerves, breathing, sleep, and recovery systems that most people never think about.Tagschronic pain, nervous system, fascia, bodywork, recovery, trigger points, posture, breathing mechanics, sleep recovery, Stoic Bodywork PodcastSEO title100 Questions About Pain, Dysfunction, and Recovery, Part 2 | Stoic Bodywork PodcastSEO meta descriptionPhil continues the 100 Questions series by covering chronic pain, central sensitization, trigger points, posture, breathing, sleep, gut health, and the nervous system’s role in recovery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

A lot of people still do not know what bodywork actually is.That is part of the reason for this new series.In this first installment of the 100 Questions series, Phil answers the first round of common questions people ask about therapeutic bodywork: what it is, how it differs from massage, what a first session looks like, how assessment happens before touch, and what he is actually feeling for when working with tissue.From there, the conversation moves deeper into fascia and the bigger therapeutic model behind the work. Phil explains how he thinks about pain patterns, why symptoms are not always coming from the place that hurts, when bodywork helps most, when someone needs to be referred out, and how fascia relates to tension, movement, inflammation, trauma, and chronic pain.This episode also covers how therapeutic bodywork compares with physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery, along with a broader discussion of fascial research, tensegrity, myofascial meridians, and where the field may be going over the next decade.If you have ever wondered what bodywork really is, or how fascia fits into recovery and performance, this is the place to start.In this episode, Phil covers:* What therapeutic bodywork is and how it differs from massage* What a first session looks like from start to finish* How client assessment begins before hands-on work* What he is feeling for in tissue and fascia* How treatment order is decided inside a session* How long lasting results can take* Why some people feel worse before they feel better* How bodywork differs from physical therapy and chiropractic care* When bodywork may help avoid more invasive intervention, and when it cannot* The cases and conditions that tend to respond best* When to refer out* What fascia is, why it has been misunderstood, and what the research suggests* Tensegrity, the nervous system, chronic pain, trauma, inflammation, and range of motion* How fascia responds to training and load* Where fascia research may be headed nextGrab a jar of Stoic Sleep to get a more restful and restorative sleep. No melatonin dependency, and no foggy morning wakeups. Stoic Sleep is an all natural sleep supplement developed by Phil. He takes it every night and you can to. Use code STOIC to get your $5 off your first jar.Get your supplements from one of the purest manufacturers in the industry Purebulk.com using code Stoicbodywork15 for 15% off your first order and STOICBODYWORK for 10% every order after that.ExcerptA lot of people hear the word “bodywork” and still assume it means massage. It does not. In this first episode of the 100 Questions series, Phil explains the difference, walks through what actually happens in a session, and opens up a deeper conversation about fascia, pain, movement, and therapeutic change.Tagstherapeutic bodywork, fascia, myofascial work, chronic pain, recovery, movement, massage therapy, sports recovery, body awareness, Stoic Bodywork Podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Tattoos are stories told through skin. In this conversation, Phil Gabranth sits down with Chris Pincus, owner and artist at Revelation Tattoo, to explore what it really takes to make a life in a creative trade.They unpack the craft, discipline, and business reality behind tattooing—everything from studio standards and client trust to pricing, apprenticeship, and staying inspired after decades of work.If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone balancing creativity with business, this one’s worth a full listen.Most people see tattoos as art. Chris sees them as chapters—moments permanently written into the body.In this episode Chris and Phil talk about the parallels between tattooing and bodywork while exploring therapeutic and creative business owning: how to sustain excellence, manage burnout, handle pricing with integrity, and build a work culture that actually lasts.They cover:* What separates a professional studio from a hobbyist setup* Why tattoos are as much healing and storytelling as design* The hidden workload behind “just an appointment”* Apprenticeships, mentorship, and gatekeeping the right way* Creative fatigue, confidence, and protecting the love of your craft* Lessons in leadership from years of business operation* Why reputation compounds—and shortcuts eventually showPhil draws connections to coaching, training, and bodywork, but the focus stays on the tattoo industry as a master class in creative discipline.Key Takeaways* Tattooing is storytelling. Every piece documents a real, lived chapter.* Craft first, ego last. The artist’s standards define the shop’s success.* Professionalism is process. Clean environments, clear pricing, reliable execution.* Apprenticeship still matters. Mentorship protects the culture of craft.* Running a creative business = balancing art with operations.* Reputation is slowly-built but instantly lost.* Sustainability beats hype. Artists who last learn to pace passion.About the GuestChris Pincus is the owner and lead artist at Revelation Tattoo, known for his precision, storytelling approach, and commitment to the craft. With years in the industry, he’s become a respected mentor and creative force — balancing art, business, and integrity inside every session.📍 Follow Chris on Instagram: @ChrisPincusTattoo📍 Follow his shop Revelation Tattoo on Instagram: @revelation_tattooHostPhil Gabranth – Founder of Stoic Bodywork, author, and creative entrepreneur exploring the intersections of health, wealth and philosophy.🎙 stoicbodywork.com📍Instagram @PhilGabranthAffiliatesHaving trouble sleeping? Stoic Bodywork has got you covered. We spent an entire year creating a sleep supplement formula to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and get a more restful and restorative sleep. Try Stoic Sleep Today!💊 PureBulk.com – Use code STOICBODYWORK15 for 15 % off your first order (and STOICBODYWORK for 10 % off every order after). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

In this episode of the Stoic Bodywork Podcast, Phil and Octavia sit down with Liz, founder of New Born Families LLC, a lactation consultant and Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) practitioner, to explore how early bodywork interventions can transform both physical and emotional outcomes for new families. From debunking common lactation myths to recognizing tongue-tie patterns and subtle fascial restrictions affecting infant feeding, Liz shares her real-world experience bridging clinical care and intuitive healing.Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or simply fascinated by the body’s innate intelligence, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how connection drives recovery.Show Notes (with timestamps):00:00 – IntroductionPhil and Octavia open the episode, setting the tone for an honest conversation about early challenges in breastfeeding and how fascia-focused approaches support healing.03:10 – Liz’s Journey into Lactation and BodyworkLiz discusses her path from motherhood to professional practice, and the pivotal moments that revealed the power of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.07:45 – What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)?A breakdown of how CFT differs from other modalities and why it’s particularly effective for infants and mothers.12:20 – Fascia, Function, and FeedingHow fascial tension influences latch, feeding efficiency, and even sleep in newborns.17:05 – Recognizing Tongue-Ties EarlyLiz explains the subtle cues of tongue-tie and how restrictions in the fascia can directly affect breastfeeding success.21:40 – Intuition Meets EvidenceA conversation on how to integrate empathy, instinct, and scientific understanding in care for families.26:15 – Emotional Layers of LactationHow emotional safety, maternal regulation, and practitioner presence play vital roles in milk production and healing.30:40 – Inside a CFT SessionLiz walks listeners through what a typical postpartum or infant session looks like and how education and comfort build trust.36:50 – Collaboration in CarePhil and Liz explore how CFT fits within multidisciplinary work—bridging lactation consulting, chiropractic, and bodywork communities.42:10 – Closing Thoughts: Connection as the Core of HealingA reflection on how true healing happens through connection—between tissue, practitioner, and family.44:00 – OutroPhil and Octavia close with a reminder: fascia responds to attention, not aggression. Healing begins with presence.Resources & Mentions:Guest:👩‍🍼 Liz – Founder of New Born Families LLC🌐 Website: lactationliz.com📸 Instagram: @new.born.families.llcMentioned Topics:* Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) — Dr. Barry Gillespie’s work* Lactation consulting fundamentals* Early fascial interventions for infants* Interdisciplinary collaboration between lactation, chiropractic, and massage therapyConnect with Stoic Bodywork:🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or your preferred podcast platform🌐 Visit stoicbodywork.com🐾 Follow Octavia’s journey and future guest features on Instagram @stoicbodywork This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

In this follow-up to our conversation with Cassie, editor at Norse Panda, we step back and explore meditation from a broad perspective. This episode is less about any single method and more about understanding what meditation really is—where the word comes from, what it’s meant to do, and how it shows up in daily practice.Drawing from years of both teaching and learning meditation, I share insights into:* The roots and definition of the word “meditation”* Why there are so many different styles and techniques* Common misconceptions and mistakes beginners make* How meditation connects to the brain–body relationship* Practical advice for finding a method that actually works for youMeditation doesn’t have to be complicated, mystical, or out of reach. It’s a practice of awareness that anyone can approach in their own way. Whether you’re brand new or refining your practice, this episode will give you a grounded framework for understanding meditation and how to integrate it into your life.*Note: All claims about yoga in this episode are in reference to the Western practice and style modernized and most widely known in America. We do not dispute that true Yogis and Yoginis exist and have for hundreds of years. The current use of the words have been corrupted as has the word Guru. The statements are meant to push back on that use and force Western minds to look for original roots instead of made up marketable nonsense. If Sadhguru gets to say Shaolin and Taichi come from Yoga then we get to generalize claims towards Western Yoga and not adhering to Ayurvedic practice.* This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Cassie is the Chief Editor at Norse Panda LLC and has questions about meditation. She decided to learn more about it and share that experience to help others do the same. This episode covers the basics and some fun tangents along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Covering the vocabulary, recommendations, and information you need to know about creating your own supplement stack. The episode is dedicated to PureBulk.com, use coupon code Stoicbodywork15 on your first order and STOICBODYORK for 10% off any order after that. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

The education systems do a poor job of helping us learn about our bodies. In this episode we go over examples of how learning about yourself can lead to better health and wellness outcomes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Follow up episode to the interview with Dr. Nicole (episode 002) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Dr. Nicole is an oncologist specializing in treating breast cancer. We discuss her career path and advice for future physicians, the current state of treatment and its advancements, as well as advice for prevention and treatment of cancer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com

Introduction to the Stoic Bodywork Podcast. General discussions about health and wellness from the creator of the Stoic Bodywork methods. A therapeutic Bodywork and Physical Training system that focuses on balancing the body, opening the mind, and awakening the spirit. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stoicbodywork.substack.com