January 15, 2026

Podcast Feature: Why Your Feet Are the Missing Link in Health Optimization

29 minutes

Joshua Holland recently joined Stretch2Go Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on health optimization, barefoot living, and practical biohacking strategies that anyone can apply.

Hosted by Ian Ray, this episode explores Joshua’s personal journey—from lifelong curiosity and early movement exploration to becoming a leader in barefoot education and holistic performance coaching. The conversation moves through footwear, movement, community, and the overlooked fundamentals of health that cost little to nothing but deliver meaningful impact.

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Joshua discusses:
• How curiosity and experimentation shaped his approach to health optimization
• His early exposure to barefoot running after reading Born to Run and working alongside pioneers in the space
• Why modern footwear often interferes with natural foot function
• The role of proprioception, toe splay, and sensory feedback in movement and longevity
• Why “function over fashion” matters—especially when it comes to shoes
• Simple, low-cost biohacking practices that support resilience and well-being
• The importance of discomfort, nature exposure, and real-world community for long-term health

Joshua also shares insights from his work with Vivo Barefoot, where he leads coaching and education efforts in the U.S., and explains how barefoot principles apply far beyond footwear.

One tool I use consistently is The One Device.
It’s a wearable pendant that combines light, sound, and frequency-based support to help with recovery, stress resilience, sleep, and HRV—without Bluetooth or EMF exposure. You can wear it, place it nearby, or keep it by your bed.

The One Device — a wearable light, sound, and frequency-based tool for daily resilience and recovery.
https://theonedevice.com

USE CODE: JOSH for a nice discount

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Key Takeaways
• Health optimization is rooted in curiosity, testing, and real-world feedback
• Barefoot or minimalist footwear allows the foot to function as intended
• Toe splay, sensory input, and ground contact play a foundational role in movement health
• Many common foot issues stem from restriction, not weakness
• Biohacking does not require expensive tools—nature and movement are powerful starting points
• Community, touch, and shared experience are essential components of wellness

About the Podcast

This episode originally aired on the Stretch2Go Podcast, a show focused on movement, fascia, recovery, and performance through the lens of Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) and modern wellness practices.

Hosted by Ian Ray, the Stretch2Go Podcast features conversations with coaches, practitioners, and thought leaders exploring how the body moves, adapts, and performs—both in training and in everyday life.

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Stretch2Go Podcast Links
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stretch2go
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
• iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretch2go