If you’ve stretched, massaged, and medicated only to have the pain return, this conversation reframes everything. Butch Phelps explains why the brain—not the muscle—is the real throttle on tension, and how brief, repeatable stretches plus gentle pressure and breath can teach the nervous system to feel safe enough to release. We talk shoes, fascia and emotion, why static “hold forever” stretching backfires, and how to build reciprocal trust between mind and body so movement becomes freedom again.

“You’re not fighting your body; you’re negotiating with your brain.” Muscles are reactive tissue; the brain sets their tone.

Short + repeated beats long + forced. 5–6 second holds, repeated ~10x, calm the stretch reflex and build safety.

Cause ≠ site. The pain’s location often isn’t the source (e.g., “bad back” driven by tight quads/hip flexors/calves).

Animals are models. Stretch a few times daily, not only when you hurt.

Shoes shape movement. Built-up heels and narrow toe boxes push us into heel-to-toe gait and stiff ankles; a roomy, minimal shoe helps restore natural mechanics.

Fascia stores stories. Emotional release during stretching is common; breath + nonjudgment helps it move through.

00:01 Welcome + the “body’s language” frame

01:44 Butch’s story: weight loss, back pain, mentors, and the brain–muscle aha

06:46 “Stretch the mind, not just the muscle”

09:42 Pain lives in the brain: the stretch reflex & safety signaling

11:27 Building reciprocal trust between body and mind

16:58 Chronic pain loops and why the brain looks for pain

19:33 Running again: fear vs. true threat; which muscles to prep

22:54 Evolution mismatch: sitting, joints, synovial fluid, and aging well

28:15 Fuel and movement: the closest thing to a fountain of youth

31:20 Site vs cause; “bad back” that wasn’t

36:05 Quick wins: where to start so you feel hope fast

38:51 Pre/post workout stretching debates—what actually matters

41:45 Yin vs vinyasa: strength, mind, and gentleness

45:26 Fascia & emotions: why tears happen on the table

47:31 DIY: the calf sequence (inside/outside/center)

51:27 Minimal shoes and grounding

54:39 Why heel-to-toe isn’t the design spec

1:02:12 Parting wisdom: drop judgment, learn your body’s signals

Book: Stretch N’ Release by Butch Phelps

YouTube: The Muscle Repair Shop (200+ demos)

Minimalist footwear: Brands with wide toe boxes and zero/low drop (Butch wears Xero Shoes)

“Freedom isn’t found in force; it’s found in release.”

“The site of pain is rarely the cause of pain.”

“Take the judgment out of the thought; your body will soften with it.”

Guest: Search “Butch Phelps Muscle Repair Shop” on YouTube; Stretch N’ Release on Amazon.

Host: Shine In & Out — where science meets soul.

Educational content only; not medical advice. Consult your clinician for personal concerns.