Bending Over Backwards

At just 10 years old,  Kelsey Zecchino had spinal fusion surgery. By 26, she was stuck in a wheelchair, on fentanyl, and nearly took her own life.

Doctors told her the pain was “just in her head.”
They gave her meds, then judged her for needing them.
But one conversation changed everything.

In this episode, Kelsey shares the raw truth about living with chronic pain, misdiagnosis, and being treated like a problem instead of a patient.

We talk about:
→ What it’s really like to go through fentanyl withdrawal
→ The moment she almost gave up—and what saved her
→ Her experience with Suboxone and finding a real care plan
→ How she went from laying in bed all day… to walking again

This isn’t just about pain.
It’s about fighting to be heard.
And learning how to take your life back, one step at a time.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by a doctor, struggled with pain, or know someone who has… this one’s for you.

What happens when a spine expert becomes the patient?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Eric Neufang—a chiropractor who went from treating back pain to living through it. After a serious spine injury, two surgeries, and years of recovery, he came back stronger—and more empathetic than ever.

Here’s what we talk about:

→ What actually helped vs. what failed (including injections, narcotics, and surgery)

→ The common myths patients believe about back pain—and the ones doctors still believe too

→ Why many people rush to surgery too soon

→ How core training and PEMF helped him avoid fusion

→ The real-life difference between mechanical pain and nerve pain

→ What Dr. Neufang wishes every patient and doctor understood about working together

This one’s honest, practical, and packed with insight—especially if you're struggling with back pain or work in spine care.

How do you start a new life with only $400?

In this episode, James talks with Alina Sbitnev—a war refugee who escaped to the U.S. and started over from scratch. With just $400 in her pocket, she built a life, learned new skills, and turned struggle into strength.

What you’ll hear:

→ The moment she realized she had to leave

→ What it felt like arriving with no money and no plan

→ How she found work and built her career step by step

→ The small choices that made a big difference

→ Her thoughts on fear, gratitude, and rebuilding

→ Advice for anyone going through hard times

This episode is real, moving, and full of hard-won lessons. Whether you’re chasing a goal, facing change, or just need a reminder of what’s possible—this one’s for you.

How do you go from broke to selling Arizona’s most expensive homes?

In this episode, Dr. James Adkins talks with Scott Grigg—one of Arizona’s top luxury realtors. Scott shares how one real estate deal changed everything, what it took to grow in a market with no social media, and how he built strong relationships with high-end clients.

They talk about:

• Why Scott walked away from a “safe” job
• What real estate looked like before social media
• The rise of $1600/sqft homes in Arizona
• How outworking others still wins
• What it’s like working with the Altman Brothers
• And real advice for new agents entering luxury real estate

Scott also opens up about stress, burnout, and why he never wants to be broke again.

If you're trying to grow a career, build a business, or just want to hear the real story behind success—this one’s worth a listen.

Carrie Pena went from being a news anchor to launching her own media company—and now she’s creating powerful documentaries inside prisons.

In this episode, Dr. James Adkins talks with Carrie about how trauma shapes our lives, how women can step into leadership without losing themselves, and what it really takes to turn pain into purpose.

We also dig into her new documentary, Blank Canvas, filmed inside a women’s prison—and the eye-opening stories she uncovered.

What we cover:

→ How Carrie built a media company with no business background

→ The true story of a woman sentenced to 21 years for being in the wrong place

→ Why healing trauma starts with listening—not judgment

→ The pressure women face in business and media

→ How to value your time—and ask to be paid for it

→ How cold plunges, meditation, and morning routines keep her grounded

→ What happens when you stop trying to be perfect—and start being real

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of lessons. If you're into storytelling, mental health, entrepreneurship—or just want to hear something real—this one’s worth your time.

🌐 Website: https://arizonapaintreatmentcenters.com/

🌐 Website: https://escapespinesurgery.com/

How do you go from working in a tiny 200 sq ft boutique…

To building one of the most trusted clean skincare destinations in the Southwest?

In this episode, Dr. James Adkins sits down withMelissa Langberg, founder of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, to uncover the real story behind clean beauty, greenwashing in the industry, and what it really takes to grow a purpose-driven business—while raising a family.

We dive into:

✅ The truth about “clean beauty” and hormone-disrupting chemicals

✅ How Melissa built her loyal community (before it was trendy)

✅ Why most skincare products aren’t as safe as they claim

✅ Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship

✅ The emotional toll of postpartum anxiety—and how skincare became her anchor

✅ The myth of preservatives and shelf life in natural products

✅ How to transition into non-toxic living without overwhelm

This episode isn’t just for skincare fans.

It’s for anyone building something that matters—especially if you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded while scaling a business.

Dr. Paul Lynch couldn’t save his own brother from an overdose.

So he built a clinic to save others.

In this episode, we dive into Paul’s story—from growing one of Arizona’s biggest pain practices to launching a mission that could save 1 million lives.

we talk about:

→ how he ranked #1 on google before his clinic even opened → why pain, addiction, and mental health are all connected → the real reason pain patients are still suffering → how suboxone works and why most doctors still don’t talk about it → building a team that actually works—chiropractors, surgeons, therapists, and more → what happened the day his brother overdosed in their bathroom → how losing his brother became the moment everything changed

this one’s about pain, yes—but it’s also about love, redemption, and choosing to do something that actually helps.

When Jason Lanham faced a near-death experience, it didn’t just challenge his body — it changed his soul, his business, and his purpose.

In this episode, we unpack Jason’s incredible story: how ulcerative colitis nearly took his life, how it strengthened his faith, and how it shaped him into a stronger entrepreneur and servant of the Lord.

Inside this conversation:

• Growing up different — and how early struggles shaped resilience
• Facing near-death (twice) and battling through major surgery
• How illness exposed what truly matters in life and business
• Finding God in the middle of chaos and recovery
• Why hardship can be your greatest leadership training ground

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to rebuild your life, your faith, and your mission — Jason’s story will hit home.

In this episode, James talks with chef and restaurant owner Mark Tarbell.

They go deep into Mark’s life—from washing dishes as a teen to running one of Arizona’s best restaurants.

You’ll hear stories about:

→ Cooking in Europe and working in famous kitchens

→ Living with back pain after a bad car accident

→ Why he cooks with real food and avoids seed oils

→ How he stays focused with ADHD

→ What it takes to run a restaurant for over 25 years

→ Why movement, sleep, and family come before business

Mark also shares the 4 words he uses to guide his life—and how he built a career without giving up what matters most.

What does it really take to go from broke welder to global CEO?

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Hodson—business strategist, keynote speaker, and former $2B real estate broker—to unpack the raw truths behind building a life that works for you, not one that burns you out.

We talk about:

→ Why most people fail even with great business ideas
→ How Aaron rebuilt his real estate empire after nearly walking away
→ What founders get wrong about scaling and structure
→ The psychology behind selling (it’s not what you think)
→ How to spot burnout before it ruins your momentum

This isn’t just a business episode—it’s a blueprint for freedom, ownership, and fulfillment.

If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or stuck in survival mode—this might be the wake-up call you’ve been waiting for.

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