The Spine Pod

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to sit down with Dr. Jeff Larson, a neurosurgeon and motion preservation specialist at CDA Spine and Brain. With three decades of experience, over 60 publications, and a thriving social media presence dedicated to patient education, Dr. Larson has built a practice rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: give patients their life back with the least surgical burden possible.

Dr. Larson's journey into neurosurgery began with mentorship under Dr. John Tew in Cincinnati, where he learned that the art of surgery is about taking what's complex and making it simple. After training in cerebrovascular surgery, Dr. Larson made the deliberate choice to leave academics behind and focus on spine care in a place where he could balance professional excellence with the life he wanted to live.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Larson discusses how spine surgery has become unnecessarily complex over the past 30 years, with fusion becoming the default answer to nearly every spinal problem. He challenges this paradigm by advocating for thoughtful, individualized care that prioritizes motion preservation whenever possible. In a previous publication on workers compensation patients, Dr. Larson displayed a 28-day return to work after cervical disc replacement versus 71 day average RTW after fusion, underscoring the real-world impact of his motion-preserving care. From cervical and lumbar disc arthroplasty to the emerging potential of devices in ongoing US clinical trials, like the Synergy Cervical Disc and MOTUS Lumbar Total Joint Replacement, Dr. Larson shares how these technologies, when used appropriately, can impact patient outcomes, preserve motion, and get people back to their lives they’re meant to live. 

In this episode you'll learn:

From building trust through extended consults to staying rooted in first principles of medicine, Dr. Larson offers a candid perspective on why high-value spine care starts with understanding the person, not just the pathology. Whether treating patients with complex surgical needs or supporting those navigating years of chronic pain, his goal is simple: provide care that restores function, avoids unnecessary interventions, and empowers people to reclaim their lives.

Learn more about Dr. Larson:

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. David Yam, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Prosser Memorial Health in Washington. Dr. Yam completed his medical education, internship, and neurosurgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and with nearly two decades of experience, has since built a career rooted in clinical excellence and continually improving patient outcomes.

Throughout his career, Dr. Yam has trained with some of the most respected names in spine, participated in early artificial disc replacement trials, and continually sought new ways to elevate his clinical understanding and expertise. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes how progress in medicine often comes from leaning into discomfort, asking hard questions, and being willing to evolve. Dr. Yam goes on to share how motion-preserving technologies and devices have become an important part of his surgical toolbox. Having participated in early clinical trials, he discusses the responsibility that comes with adopting new technologies thoughtfully, balancing innovation with evidence, patient selection, and long-term outcomes.

Now mentoring the next generation of spine surgeons, Dr. Yam offers insight into what it means to practice with humility, curiosity, and accountability. From surgical decision-making to leadership in healthcare, this episode highlights how experience, honesty, and lifelong learning shape better surgeons and better care.

In this episode you’ll learn:

From sharing his philosophy on when patients should seek out surgical treatment, to providing a roadmap for patients to better understand their options, Dr. Yam offers clarity, perspective, and a human-first approach. Whether you’re a patient exploring your next step or a surgeon thinking about how to guide your own practice, this episode is full of insight.

Learn more about Dr. Yam:

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this special episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Andrew, a spine surgery patient and police officer from San Diego, California, who shares his powerful story of choosing motion-preserving artificial disc replacement (ADR) over fusion for his chronic back pain.

In this first patient story ever on The Spine Pod, Andrew offers a powerful and personal perspective on his life before and after spine surgery. After years of chronic back pain, increasingly limited mobility,  and being told fusion was his only option, Andrew began looking for spine surgery treatment options. His search for spine care led him to Dr. Todd Lanman, a leading spine surgeon in Beverly Hills, who offered him a different path beyond the standard spinal fusion. Andrew ultimately decided to make an out-of-pocket investment in his future and opted for a multi-level artificial disc replacement, which gave him back his movement, confidence, and identity.

Andrew opens up about his experience navigating the healthcare system, what it felt like to take control of his care, and how the decision to prioritize motion over fusion changed his life. From the pain of being sidelined from his career and identity as a police officer, to the hope and healing that followed surgery, Andrew’s journey through chronic back and leg pain is honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

If you’ve been told spinal fusion is your only option, you’re not alone, and you’re not without alternatives. If you’re a patient exploring your options or wondering whether motion-preserving spine surgery might be right for you, Andrew’s story is a must-listen.

If you want to chat with Andrew about his experience, you can follow him at @androo__c on Instagram. 

Learn more about Dr. Lanman:

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All radiographic images shared with patient’s explicit consent and approval. Images are not to be repurposed or redistributed. The images contained in this episode are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. 

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. 

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kamal Woods, a double fellowship-trained surgeon in both orthopedics and neurosurgery, and founder of Vertrae® in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Dr. Woods received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery from Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center. He later earned his MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, further deepening his understanding of the complex healthcare ecosystem and how to improve it. Since then, he has gone on to build a patient-centered practice rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all when it comes to spine care. Whether a patient needs a non‑surgical treatment, minimally invasive surgery, or motion‑preserving option, the goal remains the same: restore mobility, alleviate pain, and help patients return to what they love most.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Woods shares his philosophy of combining surgical precision with compassionate, personalized care. He also discusses the importance of having a full “toolbox” of treatments, from conservative care and robotic‑assisted techniques to artificial disc replacement, and why patient education and shared decision‑making are essential. He goes on to share how his background, far from conventional, has shaped his patient‑first mindset and his vision for modern spine care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Drawing on his childhood roots in Saint Vincent, his surgical training in California, and the practice he’s built in Ohio, Dr. Woods is shaping an innovative spine care model centered on motion preservation—designed to help patients return to the activities they love, all in one integrated setting. Whether you’re a surgeon focused on emerging technologies, an industry professional tracking care trends, or a patient seeking clarity in a crowded spine landscape, this episode delivers compelling insights on how treatment pathways are shifting and how modern practice models are evolving.

Learn more about Dr. Woods:

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Christopher Yeung, the current President at the Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) in Phoenix, Arizona, a nationally recognized leader in endoscopic spine surgery and a driving force behind the shift toward outpatient, function-preserving procedures.

Dr. Yeung’s approach to spine care blends innovation, mentorship, and generational legacy. As the son of Dr. Anthony Yeung, one of the earliest pioneers of endoscopic techniques in the U.S., Dr. Yeung was immersed in the world of minimally invasive spine surgery from an early age. His training under Dr. Robert Watkins IV, renowned for treating elite professional athletes, further shaped his philosophy of preserving function, reducing recovery time, and getting patients back to the activities they love.

Today, Dr. Yeung carries that mission forward as the spine surgeon for Arizona State University, the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and a host of additional professional sports teams. His work with high-performing athletes continues to influence his broader practice, reinforcing the value of outpatient surgical care, early mobility, and long-term performance.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Yeung shares how combining endoscopic tools with a spine-focused ASC model is transforming both outcomes and the patient experience. He discusses the evolving expectations of active patients, the accelerating shift towards outcome-driven decisions, and why outpatient spine care is no longer just for athletes, it’s for anyone who values function, mobility, and a faster recovery.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why outpatient spine surgery is gaining traction across patient populations and what it takes to do it safely

• How Dr. Yeung’s work with professional athletes shaped his thinking on recovery, function, and surgical decision-making

• How Dr. Yeung’s father, Anthony Yeung, MD, pioneered endoscopic spine surgery in the U.S. and how Dr. Yeung has built upon that foundation over the past 20+ years

• The importance of motion preservation, function, and expectation-setting when preparing for spine surgery

• The variety of modern treatment options for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain

This conversation captures the mindset and momentum of one of the field’s most forward-thinking MIS and endoscopic spine surgeons and offers a glimpse into the future of spine care.

Learn more about Dr. Yeung:

• DISC: https://www.sciatica.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-yeung-01a10347/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeungspine?igsh=OWVtM2xwMGhuZHVk

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesertInstituteforSpineCare

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Todd H. Lanman, founder of Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery and the ADR Advanced Disc Replacement Spinal Restoration Centre in Beverly Hills, California.

As one of the most experienced and vocal advocates for motion preserving spine surgery in the U.S., Dr. Lanman brings not just clinical expertise, but deeply personal experience. Having undergone 11 spine surgeries himself, he understands firsthand what it means to navigate spinal degeneration, chronic back and neck pain, and make difficult surgical decisions, all while striving to maintain mobility and function.

This lived experience, combined with decades of surgical leadership, has made Dr. Lanman a true pioneer in spine surgery and motion preserving technologies. From his involvement in early artificial disc replacement trials to his groundbreaking work in fusion reversal and hybrid constructs, he has helped reshape what's possible and attainable in spine care.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Lanman discusses how his multidisciplinary training laid the foundation for a motion-first practice, why high surgical volume in motion preservation matters for patient outcomes, and how patient demand is driving a paradigm shift away from fusion as the default treatment for back and leg pain. He also shares how he approaches complex cases, including restoring motion in patients with prior fusions, and the role of enabling technologies in raising the bar for precision and safety.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Whether you're a surgeon, industry leader, or someone passionate about patient outcomes, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who is not only leading the future of spine surgery but living it.

Learn more about Dr. Lanman:

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Kevin Rutz, an orthopedic spine surgeon based in St. Louis who brings over two decades of experience in spine care, including nearly 2,000 disc replacement procedures.  With this breadth of experience in motion preservation, Dr. Rutz shares his insights and knowledge on the best applications for when to use motion preserving surgeries for the best possible patient outcomes.

Dr. Rutz isn’t just a surgeon who treats spine conditions; he’s experienced one himself. After he experienced pain and numbness radiating down his arm and into his hand, he decided on treatment and opted to undergo a cervical disc replacement for his own care. With this experience, he brings both surgical expertise and firsthand patient insight to his approach. That dual perspective has shaped his belief in motion preservation as a critical tool for helping patients maintain function and quality of life.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rutz shares how his own recovery journey influenced the way he talks with patients, evaluates treatment plans, and helps people avoid unnecessary fusions when possible. He also dives into the practical realities of building and running a high-volume, patient-centered practice; the role of mentorship in shaping surgical philosophy; and how collaboration with industry partners continues to drive innovation in spine care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

As a spine surgeon who began his career primarily in fusion techniques and later switched to become a motion-preserving provider, Dr. Rutz is able to share a unique perspective on how our spine care has evolved and improved over time. Whether you're a provider, industry professional, or patient seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really means to prioritize motion in modern spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Rutz and his practice Orthopedic Specialists:

• Orthopedic Specialists: https://stlorthospecialists.com/ 

You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpinePod

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spine-pod/id1745442311

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf head to Shreveport, Louisiana to sit down—scrubbed in and ready—with one of the true leaders in modern spine care, Dr. Pierce Nunley. Founder of the Spine Institute of Louisiana, Dr. Nunley brings decades of surgical experience, a passion for research, and a hands-on approach to patient care that’s shaping the future of the field.

In this episode, we step inside the operating room to talk about what it means to build a comprehensive, research-driven, spine practice. From his early days fixing motorcycles on a farm to leading national clinical trials, Dr. Nunley shares the mentors and experiences that shaped his commitment to patient-first care, education, and innovation.

Dr. Nunley goes on to discuss the creation of the Spine Center of Excellence, a dedicated spine-only ambulatory surgery center focused on safety, efficiency, and patient care. He shares insight into his leadership of multiple clinical trials, including recent studies on MOTUS, a lumbar total joint replacement under IDE investigation, and PerQdisc, a nucleus replacement - with both implants focused on the primary goal of restoring function to spine patients while preserving motion.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Nunley emphasizes the importance of real-world data, the responsibility of training future surgeons, and the value of applying experience with humility when evaluating new technologies. His leadership in research, education, and clinical care continues to influence the direction of spine surgery across the country and provides new and improved treatments for patients struggling with chronic neck, leg and/or back pain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

As a surgeon, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Nunley has built a model for what it means to advance spine care thoughtfully. From running a world-class clinical practice to engaging in nearly 40 clinical research studies as a principal investigator, his voice is a trusted one across the industry. This episode of The Spine Pod is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of spine surgery.

Learn more about Dr. Pierce:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfVt1ExQE0qTjhOERa?si=EEBPwQgRQSujyZsaXnJagA 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jason Cuéllar, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, whose practice is built on a simple but powerful goal—restoring motion and function to every patient possible.

Learn more about Dr. Cuéllar: 

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of The Spine Pod, hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Jonathan Stieber, Director of the Spine Center at both OrthoManhattan and OrthoEnglewood, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai and Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Practicing in the heart of New York City for more than 17 years, Dr. Stieber brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective on how spine care has evolved—and where it’s headed.

Having trained during the early surge of motion preservation, Dr. Stieber shares his firsthand experience participating in some of the first clinical trials for lumbar disc replacement and, almost two decades later, clinical trials for the first lumbar total joint replacement. From the early days of the Flexicore disc to being one of the first to utilize annular closure devices, Dr. Stieber has evolved alongside the technologies that have become a mainstay in spine care today. His early exposure to the promise and limitations of these technologies helped shape a surgical philosophy rooted in function, durability, and thoughtful patient selection. And as a spine patient himself, Dr. Stieber opens up about what really matters when making treatment decisions—restoring function, durability, and giving patients treatments tailored to their specific needs. 

Dr. Stieber also explores how enabling technologies like navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging are redefining precision in the OR and expanding access to motion-preserving procedures. Beyond the operating room, he discusses his latest endeavor: launching a purpose-built outpatient spine and joint surgery center just outside Manhattan, designed to deliver a more streamlined and personalized care experience for patients.

In this episode you’ll learn:

Whether it’s cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive procedures, or lumbar total joint replacement, Dr. Stieber brings a deep understanding of the full motion preservation toolbox—and when to use each option. With a strong focus on individualized care, innovation, and surgical excellence, Dr. Stieber offers invaluable insight for surgeons, industry professionals, and patients alike.

Learn more about Dr. Stieber:

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The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.