
The Body Nerd Show
Alexandra Ellis
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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.

106 Why I Stopped Drinking Coffee (and Sleep Better Than Before!)
The Body Nerd Show
03/25/21 • 17 min
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:
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!

153 Low Back Pain and Pelvic Floor
The Body Nerd Show
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:
- The Role of the Obturator Internus Muscle in Pelvic Floor Function ( Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy)
- Association between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in women: A cross sectional study (Musculoskeletal Science and Practice)
- Low Back Pain and Pelvic Floor Disorders (Physiopedia)
- Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function in women with and without low back pain using transabdominal ultrasound (Manual Therapy)
- How to Find Neutral Pelvis and Spine (AE Wellness YouTube)
- Glute and Hamstring Warmup (AE Wellness YouTube)
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- 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/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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/

052 Stress Relief for Busy Humans
The Body Nerd Show
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]
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!

208 The Science of Hiccups
The Body Nerd Show
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
- Hiccups: a common problem with some unusual causes and cures. Br J Gen Pract. 2016.)
- An experimental study of hiccup. Brain. 1970
- A phylogenetic hypothesis for the origin of hiccough. Bioessays. 2003 Feb
- [The Curious Case of Charles Osborne, Who Hiccupped for 68 Years Straight](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-curious-case-of-charles-osborne-who-hiccuped-for-68-years-straight-180980232/#:~:text=He'd had plenty of,confirmed by Guinness World Records.)
- Join me for the 2023 Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.
- Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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

227 How Graston, Tissue Scraping, and IATSM Works
The Body Nerd Show
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
- The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 60.3 (2016)
- Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 39.7 (2009)
- The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016
- The immediate effects of graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes." Korean Society of Physical Medicine 15.4 (2020)
- Join me for the next Movement Mavens Retreat! www.aewellness.com/retreat/
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.
- Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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

049 Why You Should Be Rolling Your Guts
The Body Nerd Show
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:
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
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!

237 I’m back! Grief and other things.
The Body Nerd Show
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
- Good Mourning Podcast with Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn
- The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Frances O'Connor
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- www.aewellness.com/podcast - Show notes, links and more.
- Come hang out with me on Instagram @hollaformala : https://instagram.com/hollaformala/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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/

163 Tongue Ties, Frenectomy, and Better Breathing
The Body Nerd Show
05/12/22 • 17 min
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:
- Jaw Pain Self-Care Guide - www.aewellness.com/jawpain/ use code BODYNERD163 at checkout to save $10
- Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: Exploring safety and efficacy in 348 cases (Investigative Otolaryngology)
- Lingual and Maxillary Labial Frenuloplasty with Myofunctional Therapy as a Treatment for Mouth Breathing and Snoring (Case Reports in Otolaryngology)
- Management of ankyloglossia (case report - Journal of Oral Research and Review)
- Is ankyloglossia associated with obstructive sleep apnea?
- Easy massage for jaw pain
- The tongue after whiplash: case report and osteopathic treatment
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- 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/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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/

213 Shoulder Pain and the Rotator Cuff (Rewind)
The Body Nerd Show
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
- What is Shoulder Impingement? (AE Wellness YouTube)
- Rotator Cuff Exercise - Shoulder Push Backs (AE Wellness YouTube)
- Wall Slides for Bulletproof Shoulders (AE Wellness YouTube)
- Improve Grip Strength With Hanging (AE Wellness YouTube)
- Keep Moving In Place (Katy Bowman)
- Dynamic Home Reaching and Hanging Spaces (Katy Bowman)
- Hanging and Swinging 101 (Katy Bowman)
- Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear by Itself Does Not Cause Shoulder Pain or Muscle Weakness in Baseball Players
- 30 days to more strength + flexibility with the Mobility Mastery Toolkit
- 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/
- TikTok @ aewellness
- 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 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

107 Why I Don't Eat Before I Workout
The Body Nerd Show
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:
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
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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.
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