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Julie Foucher MD, MS is a four-time CrossFit Games athlete and family physician. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between fitness and medicine to empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Every third Tuesday, she shares insightful content from a diverse lineup of guests, including medical experts and elite athletes.
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Moving Through Ankylosing Spondylitis with Scott Young PH213
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
After years of experiencing mysterious intermittent pain in his back, Scott Young was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory autoimmune condition that, over time, can cause the bones of the spine to fuse.
In this episode, he shares how his physical therapist encouraged him to start CrossFit to improve his movement mechanics, and how, over time, that’s led to his realization that staying moving helps relieve some of the stiffness and pain he experiences as a result of his AS.
We also talk about the mental benefits of surrounding yourself with a community that lifts you up, and the importance of focusing your energy on habits that lead to health and happiness in the long-term.
You can connect with Scott via Instagram @scottyoungcf.
Related Episodes:
Ep 180 - Putting Scleroderma into Remission with Katie Spilka
Ep 184 - A Neurosurgeon on Healing Back Pain with Functional Movement: Dr. David Johnson
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Monday Sep 06, 2021
Healing the Brain with Functional Fitness: Jenna Muri-Rosenthal PH212
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Jenna Muri-Rosenthal is a speech-language pathologist, certified brain injury specialist, and a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer. As the founder of Fit to Function Recovery, she has blended these areas of expertise into a program that combines functional fitness with cognitive rehabilitation.
Jenna works with survivors of brain injury and strokes, both one-on-one and in a community environment to help them progress their recovery beyond what is typically considered “good enough” in a traditional rehabilitation setting.
In this episode, we talk about the benefits of CrossFit for those recovering from cognitive impairments, how the training community can better serve this population, and resources for those looking for help for themselves or a loved one.
You can connect with Jenna via Instagram @fittofunctionrecovery or via email fittofunctionrecovery@gmail.com.
Related Episodes:
Ep 207 - From Aneurysm to Recovering Athlete with Vanessa Lew
Ep 124 - Breaking Barriers with an Adaptive Athlete and Coach Kevin Ogar
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Quiet Consistency, Big Weight Loss: Jen Dudley PH211
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Jen Dudley shares her amazing story of personal transformation. Her struggles with career anxiety and the stress of nursing school had led to an 80 pound weight gain, and no matter how many times she told her friends and family she was ready to make a change, she always seemed to wind up back where she started, feeling embarrassed for her lack of success. She finally got the wake up call she needed when a family member became ill. Jen quietly committed to herself to start a health and weight loss journey that would stick, and over three years she’s lost 75 pounds. In doing so, she’s avoided chronic disease and medications, and gained a love for CrossFit and a community of friends.
You can connect with Jen via Instagram @jedudley16
Related Episodes:
Ep 173 - Small Steps, Big Results: Carrie McCall
Ep 190 - Jess Esch on Treating Yourself with Value
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
HRV + Pregnancy with Dr. Shon Rowan PH210
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Dr. Shon Rowan is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He completed his medical training at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and continues to work there as an Assistant Professor. He is clinically active in reproductive medicine including infertility and In Vitro Fertilization, and recently led a research study exploring how monitoring pregnant women’s resting heart rate and HRV can provide insights to the fitness changes that take place during and after pregnancy.
Love Like They Will Die Tomorrow with Shon Rowan
You can connect with Dr. Rowan via Instagram @shonromd
Related Episodes:
Ep 81 - Pelvic Floor Health for Athletes with Julie Wiebe
Ep 126b - Nicole Christensen on Coaching Pregnant Athletes
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Taking the Fear Out of Cancer: Fran Whitfield PH209
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Fran Whitfield is a London based personal trainer who, at age 25, learned she has breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain and was given a prognosis of 2 years to live. Unwilling to settle for such a grim diagnosis, Fran sought the help of a care team who was willing to fight the disease with her. She credits her hedge of fitness with helping her recover quickly from brain surgery, and her current fitness routine with protecting her mental and physical health as she manages the side effects of chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, Fran has candidly documented her experiences to help spread awareness to other young people. She hopes that by sharing her journey she can reduce the fear of the unknown that so many people experience as they battle cancer.
I first heard Fran’s story on a panel discussion at the CrossFit Games, and I was immediately struck by her resilience in the face of such a scary diagnosis. Her mental fortitude as she advocates for herself and keeps her focus on the variables within her control is nothing short of remarkable.
You can connect with Fran via Instagram @franwhitfield
Related Episodes:
Ep 127 - Fighting Breast Cancer with Barbells: Barbells for Boobs Founder Zionna Hanson
Ep 203 - Scott Britton on Using CrossFit to Battle Cancer
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
From 450 Lbs. to Fit: Athena Perez PH208
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Athena Perez is the owner of Scaled Nation CrossFit, the author of the book, Lifting the Wait, and is an advocate for the inclusivity of obese and overweight athletes in the CrossFit community. She has a remarkable transformation story, and she draws on her experiences to support others in need. A survivor of child abuse, Athena has struggled with her relationship with food since the age of 5, but with the help of CrossFit, she’s lost over 225 lbs and reclaimed her confidence.
You can connect with Athena via Instagram @athenamariebt
Related Episodes:
Ep 69 - From Obese to Beast with John Glaude
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
From Aneurysm to Recovering Athlete with Vanessa Lew PH207
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
Tuesday Aug 03, 2021
As a second degree black belt in Taekwondo, two-time New York City marathon finisher, and long-time CrossFit athlete, Vanessa Lew was shocked when she experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm while working out. Thanks to the quick thinking and fast reaction of her CrossFit community, she quickly received the appropriate medical attention, and within weeks was on the road to recovery.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of undergoing regular medical screenings, even for healthy individuals, and the lessons she’d like to share as she’s had to relearn the most basic of skills, from walking to talking. Vanessa also shares her incredible mindset around admiring other’s achievements, but keeping her focus on celebrating her own progress as she continues to recover.
You can connect with Vanessa via Instagram @glenmere67
Related Episodes:
Ep 180 - Putting Scleroderma into Remission with Katie Spilka
Ep 169 - Jasmine Joy on Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
James Hobart + Austin Malleolo on Developing Better Trainers PH206
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Tuesday Jul 27, 2021
Austin Malleolo and James Hobart have been leaders in the CrossFit community for over a decade. Austin is a 7-time CrossFit Games competitor, including two individual finishes inside the Top 10. James is an 8-time Games veteran, including two first place finishes as part of Team CrossFit Mayhem Freedom.
Austin and James are also two of the most prolific CrossFit Seminar Staff Flowmasters, having been a part of hundreds of Level 1 and Level 2 Seminars, in addition to being experienced affiliate owners.
Austin and James have combined all this expertise, together with fellow Seminar Staff member Spencer Hendel, to develop CrossFit Affiliate Programming, a new resource that CrossFit Home Office is making available to affiliates. CAP provides programming, class planning, and coach development tools to affiliates with the goal of strengthening coaches’ skills and giving CrossFit affiliate members the best experience possible.
In this episode we discuss how James and Austin became so involved in CrossFit, the challenges and lessons they’ve learned from running affiliates, and why they are so passionate about creating resources to support trainers.
You can connect with James and Austin via Instagram @jameshobart, @austinmalleolo, and @hamplan.
Related Episodes:
Ep 77 - Austin Malleolo on CrossFit and Corporate Culture
Ep 28 - James Hobart on Teaching, Competing, and the Real Purpose of CrossFit
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns

Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
The Power of Being Present: Michael Asterino PH205
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Tuesday Jul 20, 2021
Michael Asterino shares his journey from young lacrosse athlete managing a chronic stomach condition known as gastroparesis, to college sophomore struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. When Michael recognized that his addictions were damaging his relationships and preventing him from upholding commitments, he sought help from others who were sober. With their support, he started on a path to self-betterment. Along the way, fitness, spirituality and mindfulness played a key role in his recovery.
In this episode, he shares how he came to recognize the power of living in the present moment, and how CrossFit helps him live a life free of alcohol and drugs, and focused on connecting with the ones he loves.
You can connect with Michael via Instagram @coachasterino
Related Episodes:
Ep 67 - Sobriety through CrossFit: Brain Reap’s Story
Ep 153 - Mat Fraser + Sammy Moniz: Sweethearts on a Mission
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Maximizing Muscle Mass for Health PH204
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Tuesday Jul 13, 2021
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a functional medicine physician specializing in the concept of muscle-centric medicine, which focuses on the largest organ in the body, skeletal muscle, as the key to health and longevity. By using high-quality protein diets, supplements, and resistance training, she helps a variety of patients, from those suffering with sarcopenia or pre-diabetes to elite military operators, reduce chronic disease risk and improve longevity.
Dr. Lyon received her doctorate in osteopathic medicine from the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board-certified in family medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she studied vitamin and mineral metabolism, chronic disease prevention and management and the physiological effects of diet composition. She also completed a research/clinical fellowship in Nutritional Science and Geriatrics at Washington University in St. Louis.
In this episode, we talk about why muscle mass is so critical for overall good health, the importance of having a substantial amount of protein at each meal, and why dietary protein is not a clinically significant risk factor for developing cancer.
Links:
The Role of Meat in a Healthy Diet
Protein researcher’s rebuttal to Dr. Valter Longo’s research
Piedemontese discount code: GLYON
Related Episodes:
Ep 112 - Eating for Longevity with Valter Longo
Ep 183 - Robb Wolfe on the Case for (Better) Meat
If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns