Podcast Summary
From watching contortion videos to becoming a viral sensation on YouTube: Passion for a unique sound led a chiropractor to start a successful YouTube channel, proving that niche content can thrive and creators should explore new opportunities.
The success of content creators often comes from unexpected places and requires a combination of passion, hard work, and a bit of luck. Bo Hightower, a chiropractor and content creator, shared his journey from watching contortion videos to becoming a viral sensation on YouTube. He was inspired by the addictive ASMR-like sounds of body cracking and wanted to learn how to do it himself. After shadowing various healthcare professionals, Bo decided to pursue a career in chiropractic medicine. He faced a setback when he was banned from Instagram for reposting UFC videos, which led him to start uploading his own content on YouTube. To his surprise, his videos gained massive views and popularity, and he became one of the pioneers of the "chiro tube" wave. The appeal of his content lies in the ASMR effect and the fascination with the human body's unique abilities. The success of Bo's channel and others like it shows that there is a market for niche content and that creators should not be afraid to explore new avenues to share their passions with the world.
The satisfaction of completing tasks and hearing sounds is a primal response: Understanding the body's responses and the risks involved can help us make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
Our brains are wired to find satisfaction in the completion of tasks and the release of sounds, such as the cracking of joints or the popping of pimples. This satisfaction is likely due to a primal, subconscious response. However, it's important to note that there are risks associated with certain actions, such as manipulating someone's neck to achieve a crack. This process involves stretching the zygapophyseal joints, or facet joints, which can become stuck and cause pain. By getting these joints to their full range of motion, the gas within them dissolves and creates a popping sound, allowing the patient to move more freely. But it's crucial to maintain this range of motion through stretches and rehab exercises to prevent the joint from getting stuck again. Additionally, there's a difference between what appears painful and what actually is painful. For example, gently touching a trigger point can be more painful than the perceived pain of a hard tap with a tool. Overall, understanding the body's responses and the risks involved can help us make informed decisions about our health and well-being.
Learning chiropractic techniques for improved alignment and mobility: Chiropractic care involves manipulating muscles and bones, requires extensive education, offers quicker income potential, and appeals to those seeking natural healthcare solutions
Chiropractic care involves manipulating muscles and bones to improve alignment and mobility. This technique can be used to move bones in a specific direction or to loosen tight muscles. Chiropractors undergo extensive education, but their training and scope of practice are different from medical degrees. Chiropractic school takes around eight years, and the debt accumulated during this time has a lower return on investment compared to medical degrees. However, chiropractors can start practicing right away and have more control over their income, as there are fewer salaried positions available compared to fields like PT or medicine. Chiropractic care can be a good fit for those who prefer a more natural or holistic approach to healthcare, as many chiropractors also offer nutrition and supplement advice. Starting a chiropractic practice often requires entrepreneurship and business skills, as there are limited salaried positions available.
Starting a business with limited resources: Focus on one area of expertise, provide value to a specific customer base, build relationships, and use creative solutions to save on expenses.
Starting a business with limited resources requires careful planning and a lean operation. The speaker shared their experience of starting a physical therapy business with minimal funds, using creative solutions to save on expenses. They negotiated rent, bought used equipment, and built their website themselves. They also leveraged social media and sponsorships to reach a large audience without incurring significant advertising costs. The key to their success was focusing on one area of expertise and providing value to a specific customer base, in this case, MMA fighters. They didn't offer additional services like nutrition or supplements, but instead referred clients to specialists in those areas. Their business grew over time, and they now have multiple clinics. The speaker emphasized the importance of knowing one's limitations and focusing on what one does best. They also highlighted the importance of building relationships and using creative solutions to overcome financial challenges in the early stages of a business.
Find what works best for your body: Listen to your body and experiment with different sleeping positions and environments to find what provides comfort, reduces stress, and improves overall health
Everyone's body responds differently to sleeping positions and environments. Some people sleep better without a pillow, while others need one for proper spine alignment. Compression and touch, whether from another person or an object, can provide comfort and decrease stress levels. It's essential to listen to your body and find what works best for you, as some practices, like inversion therapy or cracking joints, may not be suitable for everyone. Remember, everyone's body is unique, and finding the right sleeping position and environment can lead to better overall health and reduced pain.
Maintain joint range of motion, practice mobility exercises, and consider chiropractic manipulation for acute injuries or conditions.: Regularly maintain joint range of motion, practice mobility exercises, and consider chiropractic manipulation for acute injuries or conditions to prevent instability and potential issues with hypermobility or hypomobility.
It's important to maintain the full range of motion in your joints without pushing beyond it, as this can lead to instability and potential issues with hypermobility or hypomobility. Regularly practicing mobility exercises, stretching, and foam rolling can help address most chronic issues. However, for more acute injuries or conditions like a rib being stuck or a sharp pain in the neck, manipulation by a chiropractor or physical therapist can be effective. Remember, everyone's body responds differently to various therapies, so it's essential to listen to your body and tailor your approach accordingly. Lastly, if you can't afford a chiropractor, there are plenty of free resources available online, such as mobility videos and stretching routines. In extreme cases where an issue cannot be solved through manipulation, it's crucial that the provider diagnoses and addresses the underlying condition appropriately.
Chiropractic Beyond Spinal Manipulation: This chiropractic practice offers more than just spinal adjustments, acting as a portal for musculoskeletal issues and collaborating with various healthcare professionals.
The chiropractic practice discussed in this conversation goes beyond just spinal manipulation and cracking. They function as a portal entry for musculoskeletal issues, working closely with neurologists, PTs, and other healthcare professionals. Their unique format, which resembles a late-night talk show, allows for genuine and interesting interviews with their diverse clientele, including celebrities. They've built a strong network in the MMA community and rely on word-of-mouth referrals. Their success lies in their ability to offer effective muscle work, stretching, and bodywork, creating a space where people can open up and share their stories.
Intrinsic bias and audience preferences impact video performance: Viewer attention is crucial for YouTube algorithm recommendations. Intrinsic biases and audience preferences can impact CPM and RPM for certain types of content.
Content that catches the viewer's attention, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is more likely to be recommended by YouTube's algorithm and receive more views. This can be seen in the example of a channel that features a mix of male and female content creators. Although the thumbnails may not look different for male versus female videos, the intrinsic bias of the viewer can make the experience feel different. The channel's audience, which is primarily young males, tends to be drawn to visually striking content featuring larger-than-life male figures. The CPM and RPM for videos featuring female content creators can be lower due to the audience's preferences. The channel's content strategy is not heavily planned, but rather focused on interesting people they connect with. The income from the YouTube channel may not yet be enough to fully support the content creator, who still works a 9 to 5 job. The reach of the platform is significant, but the balance between income sources and time investment is still being determined.
Investing in Staff and Staying Relevant in Online Businesses: Building a successful online business involves substantial staff investments and continuous innovation to maintain viewership.
Running a successful online business, such as a YouTube or Facebook channel, can bring in substantial revenue, but a significant portion of it goes towards paying good staff. The speaker mentioned that around 70% of their income goes back to their team. However, there is a risk of relying too heavily on these platforms, as they can potentially shut down an account without warning. The speaker also emphasized the importance of innovation and staying relevant in the niche to maintain viewership. Another important point discussed was the difference between being a content creator who just happens to have a clinic and someone who actively engages with social media and brings on interesting guests. The speaker's audience tends to be older and financially-oriented individuals, making stalking less likely. Overall, the key takeaway is that building a successful online business requires a significant investment in staff and continuous innovation to stay relevant.
Online presence can lead to dangerous attention and unwanted contact: Maintain privacy and security, especially for those with a public profile, as online presence can attract unwanted attention and potentially dangerous individuals.
Sharing personal information online, even for professional purposes, can lead to dangerous and unwanted attention. The speaker shared experiences of receiving harassing phone calls and unwanted visitors due to their online presence. They also discussed the potential risks for individuals with large online followings, estimating that a significant percentage of viewers may have severe mental illness. These fans can form imaginary relationships with content creators, leading to intrusive behavior and unwanted contact. The speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy and security, especially for those with a public profile. They also acknowledged the varying degrees of fame and the unique challenges it brings, from social media influencers to UFC fighters and actors, who often require hired security due to the intensity of their fanbase.
Handling Fame: Benefits and Challenges: Fame brings attention and connection but can also be intrusive and exhausting. Managing it involves intentional decisions about branding and public image.
Fame and recognition can bring both benefits and challenges, especially for individuals who become famous at a young age. While some may enjoy the attention and feel a connection to their fans, others may find it intrusive and exhausting. The experience can vary greatly depending on the individual's demographic and the environment they find themselves in. For instance, a YouTuber may receive more attention than a movie star in certain settings. However, fame can also come with a price, as Holly Holm's experiences demonstrate. Managing the attention and maintaining a positive interaction with fans can be a challenge, especially when it interferes with everyday life. Ultimately, the way one handles fame is a personal choice, and it can involve making intentional decisions about branding and public image.
Cryptocurrency investments and the uncertainty of staking: Investing in cryptocurrency carries risks, especially with staked assets. Prioritize long-term investments and maintain a diversified portfolio.
While cryptocurrency investments can offer potential high returns, there are risks involved, particularly with staked assets that cannot be easily accessed until certain milestones are met. The speaker, who has invested in Ethereum, shares his concerns about the uncertainty of when he might be able to unstake his assets and the potential loss of value if he needs to sell before then. He emphasizes the importance of having a diversified investment portfolio and prioritizing long-term investments. Another key point from the conversation is the speaker's ambitious plan to expand a naturopathic school nationwide, requiring significant financial resources and lobbying efforts to obtain accreditation and licensing in various states.
Misaligned chiropractic treatment causes discomfort and embarrassment: Despite initial confusion and pain, chiropractic treatments eventually resolved an IT band injury.
The speaker shares a personal experience of receiving incorrect chiropractic treatment, resulting in discomfort and embarrassment. The speaker had never been adjusted before and was excited and nervous about the experience. However, during the session, the chiropractor worked on the wrong leg, causing confusion and additional pain. Despite the initial mishap, the speaker mentioned that the chiropractic treatments eventually helped resolve an IT band injury that had caused significant pain for several months. The speaker also mentioned their fascination with medical procedures and their connections with orthopedic surgeons.
Preventing medical mistakes and ensuring transparency: Medical professionals prioritize precision, but mistakes can occur. Patients' feedback is vital for improvement. Transparency about healthcare costs is essential.
While medical professionals strive for precision and accuracy in their procedures, mistakes can still happen with serious consequences. These errors, which can range from leaving instruments inside a patient to operating on the wrong limb, have led to increased caution and multiple checks to prevent such incidents. Patients are essential partners in their care, and their feedback plays a crucial role in improving the overall healthcare experience. Another concern raised was the lack of transparency regarding costs in healthcare, making it essential to understand the financial implications of treatments before undergoing them. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of open communication, meticulousness, and a customer-centric approach in the healthcare industry.
Transparency in Pricing is Key in Chiropractic Care: Providing clear pricing information reduces patient stress and financial uncertainty in chiropractic care, addressing barriers caused by lack of transparency and high healthcare costs.
Transparency in pricing is crucial in the healthcare industry, particularly in chiropractic care. The lack of transparency can create a cultural stigma and unnecessary barriers for patients. Doctors and healthcare providers should communicate openly about costs to help patients make informed financial decisions. The high cost of healthcare is due to various factors, including the presence of intermediaries and administrative costs in insurance companies, as well as the high operational costs of running healthcare facilities and dealing with litigiousness in the system. By providing clear pricing information, healthcare providers can help reduce patient stress and financial uncertainty. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve overall financial transparency in healthcare to help prevent unexpected bills and bankruptcies.
Financial pressures in healthcare and education leading to debt and limited access: The high cost of healthcare and education in the US, coupled with debt, can limit access and result in unintended consequences. Potential solutions include a more socially-driven approach to resource allocation.
The high cost of healthcare and education in the United States, coupled with mounting debt for students and medical professionals, can influence decisions and potentially lead to unintended consequences. Large institutions, including hospitals and universities, face financial pressures that limit capacity and drive up costs. This situation can result in a cycle of debt and limited access, affecting both students and patients. A potential solution could be a more socially-driven approach, where resources are allocated more evenly and access to essential services is prioritized. However, finding a balanced solution to this complex issue remains a challenge.
Exploring the complexities of healthcare and societal well-being: Capitalism drives innovation but creates disparities, democracy has challenges, respect individual freedom while addressing root causes, ongoing dialogue and collaboration required for progress
The complex issues of healthcare and societal well-being require thoughtful consideration and no easy answers. Capitalism can drive innovation, but it also creates disparities. Democracy has its own challenges, and no system is perfect. We need to address the root causes of health issues, but we must also respect individual freedom. The interplay of economics, personal choices, and systemic issues is intricate, and finding solutions requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration. While we make progress in certain areas, such as promoting healthier options, we must remain vigilant and continue to explore ways to improve access to quality healthcare and promote overall well-being for all.
Cost of healthy versus unhealthy food: Wealthier individuals often pay more for perceived healthy foods due to marketing and labeling, while healthier options can cost less when bought in bulk and cooked at home. However, systemic issues surrounding food production and marketing make it challenging for consumers to make informed decisions.
The cost of eating healthy food versus unhealthy food can be a complex issue influenced by various factors such as income, marketing, and conditioning. While healthier foods may cost less when bought in bulk and cooked at home, wealthier individuals are often willing to pay more for perceived healthier options due to marketing and labeling. The food industry has been found to use deceptive practices to market unhealthy foods as healthy, making it challenging for consumers to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the systemic issues surrounding food production and marketing contribute to the persistent challenge of promoting healthy eating habits. The discussion also touched upon the fact that individuals' lifestyle choices are influenced by a multitude of factors, and it's not just about income or availability of healthy food. The conversation ended with a reflection on human nature and our tendency to procrastinate when it comes to prioritizing our health.
Factors Beyond Personal Choice Affect Weight Loss: Weight loss is complex and influenced by genetics, environment, past experiences, and aging. Finding the right motivation and support system can help overcome obstacles and make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a complex issue that goes beyond personal choice. While some people may find it easier to avoid unhealthy habits, others may face significant challenges due to factors such as genetics, environment, and past experiences. For those who have struggled with weight gain, losing weight and keeping it off can be a daunting task, even with a strong desire to do so. The creation of new fat cells and the body's ability to easily return to a set weight can make weight loss a difficult and frustrating process. Additionally, as we age, our bodies produce less growth hormone and testosterone, making weight loss even more challenging. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find the right motivation and support system to help overcome the obstacles and make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Understanding the complexities of weight loss and individual dietary needs: While calories matter, individual dietary needs and preferences vary. Balanced diets, not extreme ones, promote sustainable weight loss and optimal health.
While the fundamental principle of weight loss is calories in vs. calories out, individual dietary needs and preferences vary greatly. Some people may follow extreme diets like veganism or carnivore diets, which can lead to temporary results. For instance, the carnivore diet, where one only consumes meat, may result in quick water weight loss due to the lack of glycogen and water in cells. However, adding carbs will cause water to be shuttled back into the body, leading to weight regain. It's essential to consider the long-term consequences of such diets and the nutritional balance required for optimal health. Humans are obligate omnivores, meaning we should consume a variety of foods, including vegetables, grains, and meats. The nutritional content of many vegetables has been enhanced through selective breeding over thousands of years. Ultimately, finding the right balance of macronutrients for your body is crucial for sustainable weight loss and overall health. Avoiding extreme diets and focusing on a balanced diet is recommended.
Debate over specific macronutrients in a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, regular exercise, and moderation for a healthy diet, while experts debate the role of macronutrients like sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat
A balanced and moderate diet, focusing on real, less processed foods, is key to maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive calorie intake. However, the role of specific macronutrients like sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat in our diet is a subject of ongoing debate among experts. While some argue that high consumption of saturated fat can lead to cardiovascular issues, others claim that the inflammation caused by certain plants and grains may be a greater concern. Ultimately, what works best for each individual may vary, but a focus on whole foods, regular exercise, and moderation is a good starting point for most people.
Discovering financial perspectives through personal interests: Passion for personal finance through books, collecting, and educational resources shapes saving habits and financial trajectory.
Personal finance interests and collecting, whether it be coins, books, or memorabilia, have played significant roles in shaping the financial perspectives of individuals. For instance, the speaker discovered his passion for personal finance at a young age through the book "The Millionaire Next Door," which influenced his saving habits and eventual financial trajectory. Additionally, collecting rare items, such as coins or Confederate money, can serve as a source of fascination and potential investment opportunities. The speaker also expressed admiration for the finance channel Clear Value Tax, which provides factual information without clickbait or editing. Overall, personal experiences, influential books, and educational resources can all contribute to an individual's financial journey and mindset.
Elon Musk's Tesla share sale and Twitter interest may not be random: Elon Musk sold Tesla shares and expressed interest in buying Twitter, potentially for high valuation, shaping public perception, and hedging risks.
Elon Musk's recent decision to sell a portion of his Tesla shares and express interest in buying Twitter may not be random or impulsive as it may seem. Musk might have seen it as an opportunity to sell at a high valuation and potentially acquire Twitter as a platform to shape public perception and influence narratives. Additionally, Musk's move could be seen as a hedge against potential risks in Tesla's stock. Musk's intellect and influence are beyond the average person's comprehension, and his actions may not always have a clear meaning or motive. Some of his actions, like his involvement with Dogecoin, could be seen as self-amusement or fun. Ultimately, Musk's actions reflect his unique perspective and his constant pursuit of innovation and impact.
Perspective on Personal Actions and Consequences: Elon Musk's actions with Dogecoin highlight the contrast between those who can afford to be carefree and those with higher stakes in life. While some may troll or meme, others face real consequences.
Despite the importance of our actions in our personal lives, in the grand scheme of things, they may not matter much. Some people may choose to embrace this perspective and live their lives to the fullest, while others may feel compelled to take things seriously. The recent actions of Elon Musk, taunting the SEC with Dogecoin, serve as an entertaining example of this perspective. For those with high intellect and wealth, the consequences of their actions may seem insignificant, leading to trolling or meme-making. However, for most people, the stakes are higher, and they cannot imagine adopting such a carefree attitude. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the limitations of harvesting crypto losses and the challenges of conducting a podcast in Puerto Rico.
Finding the right balance leads to success: Appeal to audiences emotionally while providing necessary information and guidance for their unique needs
Extremes may grab attention, but moderation and finding the right balance often lead to the most truth and success in various areas, including finance, nutrition, and politics. However, appealing to audiences requires triggering emotional responses and understanding their needs, which may not align with moderation. For instance, in finance, while some may benefit from learning about Roth IRAs, others might be more interested in becoming tax-free millionaires. Similarly, in healthcare, different individuals require various treatments, from strengthening exercises to surgery. Ultimately, it's about reaching the right audience with the right message and then providing them with the necessary information and guidance.
The Negativity Bias in Content Consumption: Online content often receives more attention when it's negative, potentially due to our evolution and the constant pursuit of new things, but this trend can impact our happiness and mental well-being.
Human psychology plays a significant role in the way we consume content online, with negativity often receiving more attention than positivity. This dynamic can lead to an ecosystem of negative reactions and clickbait headlines. Our evolution may play a role in this behavior, as we're wired to always want the next thing in order to survive and be happy. However, whether this constant pursuit of new things is healthy or not is up for debate. Some argue that happiness can never be truly reached, while others believe it's possible to live a happy life through a mental state of gratitude. Regardless, the negativity bias in content consumption is a persistent trend, and understanding it can help us navigate the online world more effectively.
Appreciating the present moment and finding happiness: High intelligence can make it harder to find happiness due to constant introspection and future-thinking, but focusing on the present moment and cherishing simple things can lead to a more fulfilling life
While we often focus on acquiring more material possessions and achievements as we age, it's essential to appreciate the present moment and find happiness in the simple things. Our brains naturally shield us from dwelling on potential losses, but for some, anxiety can make us hyper-focused on the future or past. Interestingly, high intelligence, while beneficial in many ways, can also make it harder to find happiness due to constant introspection and future-thinking. It's crucial to remember that happiness can be found in anything or everything, and we should strive to cherish the present moment instead of constantly striving for more. As the speaker mentioned, there's no reason we can't be content with what we have, and finding joy in the little things can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Alex Fair is the founder and CEO of MedStartr. He originally trained as a scientist, working in physics, then cancer, and finally in heart disease research. In the 1990s he had an idea for a company that took off, so he finished off his last paper and came into the world of business. MedStartr is his seventh start-up. Other creations include Expert-Med, Scanbuy.com, FairCareMD.com, MPADS.com, Dr1st.org, and the Pinnacle Consulting Group, as well as dozens of corporate entities and products for clients and employers over the years. Alex lives in Long Island, New York, and is the proud dad of two wonderful kids.
