The KRUSE ELITE Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#37 - What you REALLY need to know about the Vagus Nerve Mar 29, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever heard someone say your vagus nerve needs a reset? In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, all about the Vagus nerve and navigate the line between fact and fiction with regard to this increasingly popular focal point for health and movement professionals. I outline the anatomy of the vagus nerve and discuss why it's often called the "wandering nerve" because it connects to so many different vital organs and higher order systems in the body. By studying the anatomy of the vagus nerve, I show how it can be used therapeutically to target a myriad of different areas and functions of the body, and why its connective power is also why it's often so misunderstood. I discuss some common points of activation that I use to access the vagus nerve and clarify the map, as well as how to assess these interventions to make sure they are actually helping the client. This is a massive episode that covers a ton of ground from the parasympathetic system and vestibular system down to the interoceptive system and digestive system, and touches on inflammation, recovery, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, breathing, diet, balance and more. I also discuss the lymphatic system and some simple drills I use to improve recovery, and why I think it's so important for people to learn to listen to their own bodies.

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Links:

Check out our YouTube Video for vagus nerve exercises for pain relief
Check out our YouTube Video for tongue circle tutorial
Check out our YouTube video on cranial mobility

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#36 - Your Chronic Pain May Be A Fuel Issue with Matt Bush Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Are you managing chronic pain? Do you have the type of pain that "flares up?" Or, maybe your pain moves from one body part to another and you're constantly playing whack-a-mole with your pain.

In today's episode, I speak with one of my very first instructors of applied neurology, Matt Bush, about signs and symptoms suggesting your brain and body are in need of fuel support. We talk about how your brain needs two things to stay alive - fuel and activation. And, your brain's preferred source of fuel is glucose along with oxygen. We talk about acute signs of a fuel deficit like decreases performance, increases in pain, a decrease in cognition and coordination, and increased emotional volatility. We cover what it looks like when you have a more longstanding fuel deficit that can lead to more systemic dysfunction, neural degeneration, emotional dysregulation and even metabolic disease. We share the physiology behind increasing oxygenation of your brain and tissues through CO2 tolerance training, the most important categories of breath training to consider to increase oxygen utilization at the cellular level, and styles of breathing to stay away from if you identify with having a fuel issue. We also cover how metabolic dysfunction may be the root of autoimmune illnesses, how ketosis is not a sustainable strategy for long term health, and which sources of carbohydrates are ideal, not just for brain health, but for overall metabolic health and wellbeing.

Thank you to my mentor and co-host for today's podcast, Matt Bush, for delivering such an awesome lesson on fueling your brain and your body. Click below to follow and work with Matt and his team at Next Level Neuro.

Learn More about Next Level Neuro's Fundamentals of Applied Neurology Course

Contact Matt and Kathy to let them know you listened to The KRUSE ELITE Podcast and you'll receive a free gift:

Instagram: @nextlevelneuro

Facebook: @nextlevelneuro

Email: Office@nextlevelneuro.com

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#35 - Neuromechanic Drills That You Can Use Today Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

What if you could solve your carpal tunnel or sciatic problems with a single drill? In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about a category of drills that directly target the peripheral nerves called neuromechanics. I discuss how the concept of mobility applies not only to the joints and muscles but also the nerves, how understanding the anatomy of nerves is crucial to understanding how to use neuromechanics correctly, and how to apply these concepts for real-world results with pain and mobility. I break down neuromechanic drills into three main categories - tensioning, slacking, and sliding, and explain how choosing different drivers can lead to almost limitless combinations with specific targets and effects. I also discuss how this category of drills is often misunderstood or misapplied, and what to watch out for when applying these drills to resolve specific pain issues or to simply mobilize the nerves for a broader training effect. Neuromechanic drills can be an extremely powerful tool when used correctly and this episode will help you hit the ground running so you can integrate them into your own practice.

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#34 - How a Yogi Conquered A Decade Long Battle with Low Back Pain (Krista's Story) Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever experienced chronic pain? Maybe you've seen every practitioner and doctor and even tried surgery to resolve your pain, but years later you are still struggling? This is the story of Dojo member and yoga therapist, Krista Quinn.

Over 10 years ago, Krista found us on instagram after battling a decade long of low back pain. A laminectomy at age 22 initially provided relief for a year or two but her pain came back with a persistent vengeance, putting her in and out of the emergency room. In this episode, Krista and I recall how we met, the first few sessions using applied neurology and how sensory work as strange and simple as smelling cinnamon, poking with a paper clip, applying kinesiotape, and some cerebellar training provided tremendous relief. Throughout our work together Krista went from a yogi who couldn't do a forward fold due to her back pain to practicing advanced arm balancing positions with ease and coaching others with chronic back pain.

We also talk about a realistic timeline for getting out of chronic pain, the role of your mindset, and how behavior change is a huge factor in eliminating pain.

Thank you to Dojo Member, Krista Quinn for sharing your story and for demonstrating the commitment and dedication required to overcome chronic pain.

If you'd like to connect with Krista, you can find her here:

Krista's Website: https://www.kristaquinnhealth.com/

Krista's Instagram: @happylowbackyogi

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#33 - A Fighting Chance - Jason's Battle With Cancer Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

What would you do if you were facing a terminal diagnosis? Do you give up or do you fight? This is the reality for Dojo Member, Jason Gallman. Over a year ago Jason came to us after having a history of beating cancer and surviving a spinal stroke. He discovered some mobility drills that helped him exercise without low back pain and improved some sensation in his feet. Just a couple months in we received a message from Jason that he was facing a potential terminal diagnosis. He learned that he has stage 4 prostate cancer. Jason shares: "There is no cure and I'm living with the reality of no energy and a shorter life." Jason is a husband, a father, a grandfather, a preacher, a stand-up member of his community, and an inspiration to so many. Despite the challenges he is facing he chooses to get up and go. He shares how he has used what he has learned in the Dojo to manage symptoms, to improve his energy, and he shares how the threat bucket concept has helped him keep perspective when symptoms arise and which tools he needs to call on in order to lessen the discomfort. It is an absolute honor to have Jason in this community and we hope that those of you who are struggling, or know somebody who is struggling, with a challenging health condition, you can share Jason's story and call on his spirit to pull you through.

Thank you to Neuro Dojo student and Dojo Member, Jason Gallman for sharing your deeply personal and inspiring story.

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#32 - Building Your Neuro Toolset Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about building your very own neuro toolset. I go over the main categories that I consider essential to my work in applied neurology, and what the top tools are that you can get to help you with your coaching, your training, and with tackling pain and mobility issues. I discuss tools for general training, sensory stimulation, visual training, breath training, reaction training, speed training, and more, and go in-depth on the why and how of different techniques that these tools can help you achieve. Most of these tools are cheap or even free, and can level up your personal or professional applied neurology practice. This episode goes into detail at the conceptual and application level, so even if you get none of these tools you will come away with a greater understanding of how to practice applied neurology and how to think about assessing and solving problems for yourself or your clients.

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#31 - Alisha's Story Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

We are very excited to introduce the other half of Kruse Elite, Alisha Kruse, to the podcast! In this episode, Alisha speaks with our podcast producer, Tony, about her health and fitness journey, from playing soccer in college and suffering the severe side effects of a concussion, to becoming a personal trainer, studying various modalities including acupuncture and applied neurology, to finally taking control of her fuel and pain issues and joining forces with Taylor to start a practice together. She talks about what led her to pursue health and fitness, what challenges she encountered both with her career and with her own health and fitness along the way, and how her drive to help her clients with persistent pain issues led her down a varied path that eventually led to applied neurology. Alisha also discusses the importance of breathing, how to assess your diet, the connection between ancient eastern medicinal practices and modern neurology, the challenges of recovering from a major surgery, the differences between online and in-person coaching, and more.

Check out the Ancore cable we use HERE (use code: KRUSEELITE)

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#30 - Threat Where You Least Expect It Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

What if your chronic neck pain isn't a problem with your neck at all? In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about unexpected sources of threat that could sneakily be causing your pain and mobility issues. I talk about a variety of factors like life stress, traumatic events, marathons, calorie deficits, intense training, visual impairments, specific colors of light, prescription lenses, laser eye surgery, mid-line surgeries, c-sections, concussions, low protein diets, breathing dysfunction, asthma, and more, and illustrate how using applied neurology can show us why seemingly unrelated factors can drive threat, pain, and injury in the body, even in completely different locations and unexpected ways. I tell story after story where these issues, when finally addressed, solve persistent problems with pain and mobility, and give you clues to figure out if there are unexpected sources of threat that you should look into to solve your own pain and movement issues. This is a long one, so grab your notebook and enjoy!

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#29 - What's Next for KRUSE ELITE? Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the challenges and triumphs of 2024 for Kruse Elite and for myself personally. I talk about what it was like launching the podcast from scratch, my evolving approach to social media, how we grew our audience on YouTube from zero to thousands of subscribers, and why we are focusing more on long-form content and education. I discuss how shifting our focus to neuro-education has led to more and better engagement, why I think simply listing exercises no longer has value online, and how building a business based on social media is fraught with obstacles and misaligned incentives. This past year has been both one of the most challenging and also most rewarding for Kruse Elite, and we are looking forward to some new big things in 2025.

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

#28 - How To Recover From Injury As Fast As Possible Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

What if you could reduce pain from an injury with a single set of exercise? In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about using applied neurology to supercharge recovery from an injury. I discuss my recent MCL sprain, and the tools and approaches I used to take what I thought was a 6 month injury to almost completely recovered in 2 weeks. I talk about the importance of movement and mobilizing the joint, why I believe RICE is not always the best protocol, working around range-of-motion limitations and pain, the value of targeted compression, breathing protocols, red light therapy, e-stim therapy, aquatic training for serious injuries, and more. This case study is packed with a myriad of varied and useful techniques that you can apply immediately to speed up your recovery, just remember the importance of the assessment process to guide you.

Free Resources:

Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite
Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues
Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials

Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!

Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you:

Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations
Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

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