Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
The Body Nerd Show

The Body Nerd Show

Alexandra Ellis

If you’re ready to break up with all the things you’re doing that only give you temporary relief and learn how to get on the fast track to feeling amazing every single day (without it being overly complicated or unsustainable) - this show is for you. Whether it’s low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, arthritis, neck pain, TMJ, rotator cuff issues or shoulder pain - life without pain is 100% possible (no matter how old you are). Alexandra Ellis from AE Wellness teaches you how to use self-care and movement to stronger, more flexible and out of pain, ASAP.
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 The Body Nerd Show Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Body Nerd Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Body Nerd Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Body Nerd Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

I gave up coffee and have zero regrets. ☕️ Drinking coffee was not just a morning ritual for me, but every system in my body depended on it, even when it was causing a problem. But after laying in bed wide awake for yet another night - I had a wild idea. What if we just stopped drinking coffee?

The first two weeks were hell.

But after that? I started getting the best sleep of my life and waking up refreshed.

I literally woke up feeling more refreshed NOT drinking coffee than I ever did after my gigantic cup of coffee.

So today’s episode is for you coffee lovers, and while I might not be able to talk you out of it, you’ll at least have a better understanding of how it works in your brain.

You’ll learn:

  • How caffeine works in your brain
  • How to figure out if you’re caffeine-sensitive
  • And how to be more energized without that morning cup of coffee!

All the links:

Movement Mavens has the tools and strategy to support you on your path to enjoying life without pain - www.aewellness.com/mavens

www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.

Join the free Body Nerds FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aewbodynerds/

Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/

Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick-relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork

818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 153 Low Back Pain and Pelvic Floor
play

03/03/22 • 16 min

Low back pain is a bummer. And it can be super frustrating when the normal treatments of stretching and heat only provide a little bit of relief.

But did you know that low back pain could also be related to your pelvic floor?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is often only mentioned in the context of women after childbirth - but everyone has muscles at the base of the pelvis that help form core and spinal stability.

And if you’ve been pushing through back pain but haven’t explored what’s going on in your pelvis? Today’s episode is for you.

(PS. if you are struggling with back pain, make sure to also listen to last week’s episode, #152, for the relationship between tight hip flexors and low back pain)

You’ll learn:

  • Why your low back pain might be related to your pelvic floor
  • The anatomy of the pelvic floor
  • Why working on the muscles of the hip and pelvis can help your low back feel better

All the links:

Today’s episode is brought to you the Brain in Pain Workshop. Join me and licensed therapist Natalie Moore on Saturday, March 19th at 9:30 am PT to learn the science of why we get stuck in the pain cycle and a step-by-step practice to get out of it. Plus, you’ll save $15 off your registration when you use code “BODYNERD” at www.aewellness.com/braininpain/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 052 Stress Relief for Busy Humans
play

02/27/20 • 28 min

If you’re a human - you’re stressed. No matter how you feel, your biology can’t distinguish between a work deadline and being chased by hungry lions. So what’s the best way to unwind? Is it forest bathing? Is it therapeutic tremors? Meditation?

On today’s episode, we’re covering all things stress, including:

  • What happens to your body when you’re stressed
  • How to relax so you can think more clearly and sleep soundly, every single night
  • And why true relaxation requires more than just a Netflix binge session

All the links:

Forest bathing's effect on physiology from the J Physiol Anthropol 26(2): 123–128, 2007

Mindfulness and cortisol levels [research]

Neurogenic tremor through TRE Tension, Stress and Trauma Releasing Exercises according to D. Berceli in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD

www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.

Join the free Body Nerds FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aewbodynerds/

Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/

Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick-relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork

818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 208 The Science of Hiccups

208 The Science of Hiccups

The Body Nerd Show

play

04/06/23 • 20 min

Let's talk about something we've all experienced: Hiccups. They can strike at any age, and for most of us, they're just an annoying inconvenience.

But have you ever wondered what actually causes hiccups? Or if the old tricks of holding your breath or drinking water actually work?

In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the weird science of hiccups.

Did you know that premature infants can spend up to 2.5% of their time hiccupping, and that the world record for hiccups is 68 years? 😱

As a total body nerd, I'm 100% fascinated by the physiology of hiccups. And by the end of this episode, you will be too.

You’ll learn:

  • The anatomy of the hiccup
  • Common causes
  • And the best way to get rid of them
All the links:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 227 How Graston, Tissue Scraping, and IATSM Works
play

12/14/23 • 21 min

Has your physical therapist or chiropractor used a stainless steel tool to work on your persistent knots? If so, you've experienced Graston therapy.

The Graston Technique is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IATSM), which research has shown to be effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain.

Personally, I've never been a big fan of hard tools, especially if they cause bruising, but this is where things can get confusing.

In many Eastern medicine techniques (gua sha, cupping, etc.), bruising is the goal and is seen as a sign of healing. So is Graston just a watered-down, Westernized version of an ancient practice? Does it actually work?

In this week's episode, we dive into all things Graston and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

You’ll learn:

  • Using tools for bodywork aka instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
  • The history of the Graston Technique and how it works
  • How hard tools can be used safely and effectively to reduce pain and improve range of motion... without bruising
All the links:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 049 Why You Should Be Rolling Your Guts
play

02/06/20 • 23 min

Have you ever massaged your guts? What if I told you that it can improve your posture, boost your immunity, help with digestion, and reduce stress...would you consider it then? Gut massage has been around for thousands of years, but chances are you’ve never heard of it or tried it. But, when it comes to maintaining your body and feeling amazing every day, you definitely need this in your tool box.

In today’s episode, I cover:

  • What gut massage is
  • Why you should be doing it
  • How just a few minutes a day can improve posture, reduce stress, and help boost your immunity

All the links:

My Gut Massage Instagram Post

Osteopathic lymphatic pump techniques to enhance immunity and treat pneumonia

How to Mobilize Your Diaphragm for Better Breathing and Core Control [HOW TO VIDEO]

Tune Up Fitness Coregeous Ball

Rad Roller Centre

www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.

Join the free Body Nerds FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aewbodynerds/

Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/

Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick-relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork

818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 237 I’m back! Grief and other things.
play

03/13/25 • 23 min

The Body Nerd Show is officially back!

And today’s episode is a little different.

Instead of talking about how to move better, we’re talking about grief.

Because grief isn’t just losing someone you love - it’s forced change of any kind. The loss of a job, a friendship, a relationship, or even just life not turning out the way you expected.

And for the last year, I’ve been deep in it.

Losing my dad in August completely changed my life.

So in today’s episode, I’m sharing where I’ve been, what’s next for the show, and how we can navigate grief (of all kinds) together.

Thanks for being here. It means more than you know. 💖

You’ll learn:

  • Where I’ve been for the last 10 months
  • Where we’re going with the podcast
  • And what’s next for the Body Nerd Show
All the links:

Today's episode of The Body Nerd Show is brought to you by Movement MavensTM Therapy Balls—the official mobility tool of the show and the best way to keep your body moving pain-free.

Tight hips? Stiff back? Movement Mavens Therapy Balls are designed to mimic the feel of a massage therapist’s hands, helping you release tension, improve flexibility, and move better—every single day.

Because let’s be real—foam rollers are meh, and tennis balls? Not even close.

Get the best. Your body deserves it. And right now, you can save 25% on all therapy balls, kits, and workshops with code BODYNERD25.

Shop now at www.aewellness.com/shop-now/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 163 Tongue Ties, Frenectomy, and Better Breathing
play

05/12/22 • 17 min

When it comes to ongoing neck pain and TMJ dysfunction, you probably haven’t considered your tongue. But did you know your tongue is actually 8 muscles? Some of which connect to all those tight and grouchy places around your head and neck?

So when it comes to neck and jaw pain - we have to talk about the tongue.

The inspiration for today’s episode came from a message I received after episode 148 about this individual's experience with a tongue tie (aka ankyloglossia) and better breathing mechanics

But if you have ongoing neck pain, TMJ, issues with breathing, snoring, or swallowing - your tongue might have something to do with it and today’s episode is 100% for you.

On today’s episode, you’ll learn:

  • The relationship between your tongue, neck pain and TMJ issues
  • Why more adults are getting frenectomies
  • What the research has to say about tongue ties, neck pain and snoring

All the links:

Today’s episode is brought to you by AE Wellness Mobility Assessments. Not sure what you should be doing for mobility? Instead of trying a bazillion things and spending hours a day, get strategic coaching with a Mobility Assessment... with me! You’ll get your personalized mobility workout plan with the best mobilizations and activations for you, plus all the videos organized in custom playlists to keep things simple. Save $50 off your Mobility Assessment when you use code BODYNERD at www.aewellness.com/mobility/

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 213 Shoulder Pain and the Rotator Cuff (Rewind)
play

06/08/23 • 27 min

Are your shoulders feeling stiff or painful? It might be time to give them some love and attention. In today's episode, we're diving into the world of shoulder pain and how to find relief.

If you're like me and spend a significant part of your day hunched over a screen, your shoulders could use some extra care. The good news is that simple movements and exercises can make a world of difference.

So if you have shoulder pain and are ready for some fixes (that won’t hurt) - I’ve got you covered with today’s episode.

You’ll learn:

  • All about shoulder pain and common shoulder injuries
  • How to strengthen and mobilize your shoulders without getting hurt
  • The surprising benefits of incorporating more hanging into your shoulder routine
All the links:

Today’s episode is brought to you by Mobility Mastery Toolkit. Forget icing and stretching - and get a simple program you can do on your own that actually works. The Toolkit includes 30-days of exercises so you know exactly what to do to improve the mobility of your hips, lower back, feet, neck and shoulders. With video demos and a full-body mobility workout calendar, you’re just 15-mins a day from feeling stronger and more flexible. Get $20 off when you use the code MASTERY at www.mobilitytoolkit.co

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
The Body Nerd Show - 107 Why I Don't Eat Before I Workout
play

04/01/21 • 12 min

Should you eat before you workout? Maybe you’ve heard that working out on an empty stomach is the worst thing you could do for your performance.

Or maybe you’ve heard that fasting is the BEST - and anything other than that is a waste of time.

I don’t eat before I workout - and haven’t for a super long time.

So if you’re conflicted about what you’ve heard on the internet and aren’t sure if you should be eating or not - then today’s episode is for you!

You’ll learn:

  • Why I don’t eat before I workout
  • Why you might want to think again before working out on an empty stomach
  • And what science has to say about fasting and your workout performance

All the links:

Movement Mavens has the tools and strategy to support you on your path to enjoying life without pain - www.aewellness.com/mavens

www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.

Join the free Body Nerds FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aewbodynerds/

Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/

Bodywork Starter Guide - learn the 6 places you need to roll right now for quick-relief, plus the reason why what you’ve tried so far has only given you a temporary fix. Download the guide for free now at www.aewellness.com/bodywork

818-396-6501 is the Body Nerd Hotline - how do you build consistency and/or where are you getting stuck? Drop me a line and let me know your body nerd hacks - you might just hear your voice on a future episode!

Today’s episode was brought to you by RAD - save 15% off your entire order when you use the code BODYNERD at www.RADroller.com . Feel better head-to-toe with mobility and recovery tools designed for everybody and every lifestyle. My current fave is the Centre - it’s great for your chest, neck and hip flexors AND makes a great gift for any bodywork newbie.

Shop now and use code BODYNERD to save at www.RADroller.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does The Body Nerd Show have?

The Body Nerd Show currently has 239 episodes available.

What topics does The Body Nerd Show cover?

The podcast is about Meditation, Health & Fitness, Movement, Alternative Health, Wellness, Podcasts, Selfcare and Mindfulness.

What is the most popular episode on The Body Nerd Show?

The episode title '091 Workout Consistency During the Holidays' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Body Nerd Show?

The average episode length on The Body Nerd Show is 25 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Body Nerd Show released?

Episodes of The Body Nerd Show are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The Body Nerd Show?

The first episode of The Body Nerd Show was released on Mar 26, 2019.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments