Not every child grows up on the playing field—but every child still needs to move. 

In this episode of The Back In Action Podcast, we explore the hidden costs of inactivity in kids, from posture problems and weak movement patterns to the impact on confidence and health.

Join us as we discuss how to make fitness fun, prevent dysfunction, and help kids build lifelong movement habits—even if they never step into organized sports.

Bonus Benchmark workout:

:15-30 Single leg balance/side

8-12 Push-ups

All Points Air Squat (full footed, hip crease below knee, torso upright)

Bodyweight farmer Carry

3-5 Successive Broad jumps

Youth sports should build strength, confidence, and resilience—not send kids to the doctor’s office. In this episode, the team breaks down how to help your young athlete stay healthy, whether they’re just starting sports or chasing championships. We cover the truth about early specialization, age-appropriate strength training, injury prevention strategies, and what every parent should know to keep kids moving well for life.

Is rest really the best medicine?Do you have to be pain-free to start moving again? In this episode, we break down what injury recovery actually looks like—from tissue healing to mental roadblocks and everything in between. You’ll learn why your scan might not matter, how movement plays a key role in healing, and what might be holding you back (even if you don’t realize it). Whether you’re recovering from back pain, a sports injury, or chronic discomfort, this episode will help you move forward—with confidence.

You got an MRI—and now you’re convinced your spine is falling apart. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we unpack the truth about imaging: what it shows, what it doesn’t show, and why scary-sounding findings often mean a lot less than you think. 

Follow along as we break down common myths about herniated discs, bulges, and degenerative changes. 

We’ll also talk about the mental weight of medical language and how to reframe your diagnosis so you can get back to moving with confidence.

Key Topics:

• What MRIs can (and can’t) tell you

• Why “abnormal” doesn’t always mean “bad”

• How medical terms fuel fear and avoidance

• When imaging is actually helpful

• How to shift your mindset and take action

Back pain is common — but misunderstanding it is even more common.

In this episode, we break down the essentials of spine health with insights from our team. 

We cover the basics of how the spine works, what can go wrong (herniations, stenosis, sciatica), and how movement can help recovery.

You’ll also hear what coaches look for when working with clients who have back pain, what movements they avoid, and what principles they always follow.

Takeaways:

• What “neutral spine” really means

• Red flags to never ignore

• Whether it’s ever okay to round your back

• Smart training tips for life with (or after) back pain

• Myths about aging and spine health

• One spine-friendly habit you can start this week

Whether you’re dealing with back pain or just want to move smarter, this episode has something for you.

In this special recap episode, the Back In Action team — two strength and conditioning coaches and a doctor of spine medicine — revisit the most powerful moments from our deep dive into fear and pain.

We tackle the big questions:

• Is pain always a sign of damage?

• How do you challenge your fear of movement without setting yourself back?

• Can cautiousness actually slow your recovery?

You’ll learn why fear can become its own injury, how trust in your body gets rebuilt, and why recovery isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and relational. We also explore the hidden ways clinicians and coaches either add to fear… or help dismantle it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re being too careful — or not careful enough — this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of injury and movement: pain.

Join the Back In Action crew as we unpack what pain really is, why it shows up, and how it doesn’t always mean damage.

From fear of movement to the brain’s role in healing, this conversation helps shift the mindset from avoiding pain to understanding it.

Whether you're recovering from an injury or helping others do the same, this one's for you.

Fear can keep people stuck — afraid to move, afraid to train, afraid they’ll make things worse.

In this episode, we tackle the emotional and physical weight of fear when it comes to pain, injury, and the road to recovery. Dr. Lavelle breaks down what fear does to the body and brain from a medical lens, while coaches Dusty and Josh talk through what to do when an athlete is in pain — and how to guide them forward safely and confidently.

Whether you’re coming back from injury or just feel held back by “what if,” this one’s for you.

Welcome to Back In Action — where strength meets science to help you
move better, stay strong, train smart, and bounce back from injury.
In our first episode, meet your hosts: Spine Doctor John Lavelle, and
strength and conditioning coaches Dusty Holden and Josh Bunch. We
combine decades of hands-on fitness and rehab experience to bring you
honest, practical conversations that cut through the noise.
We’ll share our backgrounds, why we joined forces, and what you can
expect from this podcast: no fluff, no gimmicks—just clear, honest,
and actionable advice from the coaching and medical worlds.
Whether you're 30 or 70, getting back in the game or looking to stay
in it for life, this podcast is for you.
Let’s get Back In Action.