Bending Over Backwards

Ep. 39 - Why Discipline Always Matters More Than Motivation | Alina, Jimmy, Mich, & Vita

A lot of people still think motivation is the answer, but the truth is discipline is what keeps things moving. Motivation feels good in the moment, but it disappears fast. Discipline is what actually helps you build habits, face challenges, and keep moving forward when life gets hard. In this episode of *Bending Over Backwards*, Dr. James Adkins is joined by Alina Sbitnev, Jimmy Walker, Mich Manaras, and Vita Galore. Each guest shares how they approach routines, faith, and discipline in their own life. From cold plunges and exercise to Bible study, meditation, and facing problems directly, they explain how these practices give them the energy and focus to get through the day. What we talk about: - Why difficult habits make you more resilient - How morning routines and exercise build energy and confidence - The importance of faith and purpose in daily life - Why avoiding problems only makes them worse If you have ever felt stuck or struggled with consistency, this episode gives you practical perspectives you can use in your own routine.

Ep. 38 - How I Found Healing Through God and Community | Vita Galore

Many people carry trauma from childhood, abuse, betrayal, or feeling like they were never meant to exist. For some, it becomes a life sentence. For others, it sparks the fight to heal. In this episode, Dr. James Adkins sits down with Vita Galore to talk about her journey from darkness to light. From childhood abuse and family betrayal to decades of self-healing, Vita shares how she rebuilt her life and why she believes anyone can learn to choose empowerment over victimhood. What we talked about:  → How trauma shapes self-worth and identity  → The healing practices that helped her dismantle old stories  → Why community matters in the process of recovery  → The shift from being a victim to living empowered  → Daily tools she uses to reframe painful memories and reclaim joy If you’ve ever felt stuck in old stories or weighed down by the past, Vita’s journey will remind you that healing isn’t just possible, it’s a choice.

Ep. 37 - Why Most Women Struggle With Weight Loss (And How to Fix It) | Patricia Ivory

Most women are told the same story about weight loss: eat less, move more, and try harder. But for many, especially as hormones shift, that advice doesn’t work—and it leaves them frustrated, exhausted, and blaming themselves. In this episode, Dr. James Adkins sits down with Coach Patricia to uncover what’s really happening inside women’s bodies. From estrogen dominance and cycle training to the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Patricia explains why weight loss is more of a puzzle than a one-size-fits-all formula. You’ll hear: → Why “food is medicine” is more than a catchphrase → The truth about HRT and why so many women are still afraid of it → How blood work changes the way you should train and eat → The overlooked role of gut health and liver function in weight loss → Practical advice women can use right now to feel stronger and more in control If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing everything right” but not seeing results, this conversation will change the way you look at health and fitness.

Ep. 36 - How Do You Actually Make Money in Action Sports? | Parker Smith

How do you turn a small Instagram page into a company with over a million followers? In this episode, Parker Smith shares how he started posting ski videos for fun and ended up co-founding Get Send, a media company working with some of the biggest names in action sports. We talk about his journey from college student to entrepreneur, the leap from a stable job to running a business, and what it’s really like to grow an audience across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You’ll hear about: → Building a community in action sports → Dealing with fear, doubt, and big risks in business → Why Instagram still beats TikTok for their audience → The future of AI in action sports media → Staying healthy after injuries and training to keep doing what you love Whether you’re into action sports or building your own business, this episode is packed with stories and lessons you can use right away. 📍 Website: https://arizonapaintreatmentcenters.com/ [https://arizonapaintreatmentcenters.com/] 📍 Website: https://escapespinesurgery.com/ [https://escapespinesurgery.com/]

Ep. 35 - These 4 Stories Prove That You Can Come Back From Anything | Carey Pena, Darlene Santore, Dr. Tricia Pingle, and Kelsey Zakino

Four stories. Four different kinds of pain. One truth: You can come back from anything, even if it feels like your life is falling apart. In this episode, Dr. James Adkins talks with four people who went through some of the hardest moments anyone can face. They were hurt, ignored, and nearly gave up. But each one found a way to stand back up. –> Carey Pena had a stroke, but doctors said it was just a tumor. She was also told she could never have kids. They were wrong. –> Darlene Santore survived three strokes, lost her mom, and kept leading others through their toughest days. –> Dr. Tricia Pingle looked like she had it all together. But inside, she was hiding grief and burnout. She found healing in a place she didn’t expect: dance. –> Kelsey Zakino was in a wheelchair at 26, taking fentanyl just to move, and still no one believed her pain. She almost gave up. Until one person finally listened. This episode is real, emotional, and honest. If you're going through something hard, this might help you feel less alone.