Episode 6: Beating the Odds — Faith, Football & Longevity | Wesley Walker

In Episode 6 of The Better Health Podcast, Kenneth Dow sits down with NFL legend Wesley Walker — second all-time in New York Jets receiving yards and a two-time Pro Bowl selection — to discuss resilience, discipline, faith, and the true cost of elite performance.

Born legally blind in one eye with no depth perception, Wesley defied expectations at every level. Told he was too small. Told he couldn’t catch. Told he wouldn’t last.

He played 13 seasons in the NFL.

But this episode goes deeper than football.

Wesley opens up about the long-term physical toll of the game — multiple spinal surgeries, chronic pain, nerve damage — and the lessons he learned about proactive health, mindset, and personal responsibility.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Athletes navigating adversity

• Anyone struggling with self-limiting beliefs

• Individuals dealing with chronic pain

• Those seeking a mindset shift

• Anyone serious about longevity

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Beating the Odds
1:12 – Super Bowl Reflections & The “Mud Bowl”
4:30 – Blind in One Eye: Playing Without Depth Perception
9:05 – Turning Doubt Into Fuel
10:30 – Early Chiropractic & Alternative Recovery
15:30 – Control vs. Collaboration in Healthcare
17:45 – Proactive vs. Reactive Health
20:30 – What Wesley Would Do Differently (Hydration, Training, Discipline)
22:40 – Every Day Is a New Start
24:00 – Depression, Excuses & Personal Responsibility
27:50 – Faith, Free Will & Making Better Choices
31:05 – Entitlement vs. Work Ethic
34:00 – From “Too Small” to Pro Bowl
37:30 – The Cost of the Game: Surgeries & Chronic Pain
42:15 – Hardest Hit & Neck Injury Story
49:50 – Concussions & Long-Term Effects
52:15 – Education & Advice for Young Athletes
1:04:05 – Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

Takeaways:

• Self-limiting beliefs are often the biggest barrier to success.

• Long-term health requires daily intentional action.

• Physical fitness and mental stability go hand in hand.

• You cannot help someone who refuses to help themselves.

• Education is foundational — in sports and in life.

• Faith, discipline, and work ethic compound over time.

• Your lifestyle determines your future health outcomes.

Thank you for tuning in to The Better Health Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. We’re building a movement around proactive health, longevity, and personal responsibility.

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Episode 4: Professional Sports Chiropractic, Mastery, & Clinical Excellence I Dr. Nick Athens

In this conversation, Dr. Nick Athens discusses the importance of a doctor's physical fitness in providing effective patient care. He emphasizes the role of patient referrals in building his practice and shares his commitment to transforming patients' lives through chiropractic care. Dr. Athens aims to elevate his patients' health and wellness beyond their previous states, showcasing the profound impact of chiropractic treatment.

Takeaways:

• "Take your health to another level to take your patients health to another level"
• Patient sentiment & referrals are crucial for building a practice.
• Transforming lives is a key goal of chiropractic care.
• Chiropractic can elevate health to new levels.
• The best compliment is a referral from satisfied patients.
• Patients often share their positive experiences with others.

• Effective communication with patients fosters trust and loyalty.
• Chiropractic offers solutions that patients may not have considered.
• Building a practice through word-of-mouth is powerful.

Thanks for tuning in to The Better Health Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Stay connected with us for more insights on health, wellness, and personal growth.

Follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @betterhealthpod
• Facebook: @betterhealthpod
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• 
  

Learn more and listen to past episodes at:

• Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/BetterHealthPod⁠

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41 Years & 750,000 Adjustments Later – Dr. Nick Athens’ Impact on Sports & Beyond

NFL Chiropractor | The American Chiropractor | MARCH 2025Dr. Athens Book I To Health With You

Navigating Mental Health and PTSD with Derek Cartwright: A Veteran's Journey to Recovery

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Derek Cartwright, a war veteran, as he opens up about his experience with mental health challenges, including PTSD, and the process of acclimating to life in the military and re-entering civilian society. Derek shares his personal story of overcoming trauma, the impact of combat on mental well-being, and the struggles many veterans face when returning home after service. We dive deep into the coping mechanisms and mental health strategies that helped Derek regain his balance and thrive, from seeking therapy to building a supportive community.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss actionable ways to manage stress, reduce the symptoms of PTSD, and foster resilience. Derek emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness within both the military and civilian worlds, while also shedding light on the broader challenges veterans face during this transition. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of community and mental health care in the healing process.

Tune in to learn more about Derek’s path to recovery, gain insights on dealing with trauma, and explore the importance of mental health resources for veterans. Whether you’re a veteran, someone supporting a loved one, or simply interested in the topic, this episode offers a valuable and heartfelt perspective.

This is more than just a conversation; it’s a call to rethink how you approach mental health. We also invite you to engage with us by sharing your favorite health tips from the episode on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Thanks for tuning in to The Better Health Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave areview and share it with your friends. Stay connected with us for more insights on health, wellness, and personal growth.

Follow us on social media:

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @betterhealthpod⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @betterhealthpod⁠⁠⁠
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Learn more and listen to past episodes at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠kennethdow.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Preventative Healthcare with Shadrack Pierrot: How to Stay Healthy and Avoid Sickness

Unlock the secrets to leading a healthier, more balancedlife as we chat with Shadrack Pierrot, a visionary young entrepreneur and future psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Shadrack Pierrot shares his journey and expertise on why taking charge of your health through preventative care can transform your life. Together, we explore practical strategies like integrating yoga, weightlifting, and meditation into everyday habits to boost cardiovascular health and tackle stress before it takes its toll. Embrace a blend of cultural health practices and learn how to enhance your long-term well-being by making mindful choices about what you consume—bothphysically and mentally.

In the latter part of this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked world of sleep and recovery. Shadrack Pierrot enlightens us on the underrated power of getting those crucial seven to eight hours of rest each night, revealing how quality sleep can make or break your health endeavors. Gain insights into why sleep is foundational for effective workouts and dieting, and how neglecting it can undermine your best efforts.

This is more than just a conversation; it’s a call to rethink how you approach health. We also invite you to engage with us by sharing your favorite health tips from the episode on social platforms likeFacebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:⁠ LISTEN HERE⁠

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Introducing Shadrack Pierrot and Preventative Healthcare

1:50 - The Role of Preventative Health in Everyday Life

4:00 - The Role of Nutrition in Preventative Healthcare

6:00 - Increasing Longevity

7:15 - The Impact of Chiropractic Today

8:30 - Touching On Mental Toughness and Mental Health

9:30- Lebron James, Serena Williams and Preventative Healthcare

11:00: Dr. Robert Kleinwaks Teachings- The Sports Triad

13:30: Sleep and The Importance of Recovery

14:30: Wrapping Up Todays Preventative Healthcare Talk

Thanks for tuning in to The Better Health Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave areview and share it with your friends. Stay connected with us for more insights on health, wellness, and personal growth.

Follow us on social media:

• Instagram: @betterhealthpod
• Facebook: @betterhealthpod
• YouTube: @betterhealthpod
• TikTok: @betterhealthpod

Learn more and listen to past episodes at:⁠⁠⁠

kennethdow.com⁠⁠⁠

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