Bending Over Backwards

Dr. Paul Lynch couldn’t save his own brother from an overdose.

So he built a clinic to save others.

In this episode, we dive into Paul’s story—from growing one of Arizona’s biggest pain practices to launching a mission that could save 1 million lives.

we talk about:

→ how he ranked #1 on google before his clinic even opened → why pain, addiction, and mental health are all connected → the real reason pain patients are still suffering → how suboxone works and why most doctors still don’t talk about it → building a team that actually...

When Jason Lanham faced a near-death experience, it didn’t just challenge his body — it changed his soul, his business, and his purpose.

In this episode, we unpack Jason’s incredible story: how ulcerative colitis nearly took his life, how it strengthened his faith, and how it shaped him into a stronger entrepreneur and servant of the Lord.

Inside this conversation:

In this episode, James talks with chef and restaurant owner Mark Tarbell.

They go deep into Mark’s life—from washing dishes as a teen to running one of Arizona’s best restaurants.

You’ll hear stories about:

→ Cooking in Europe and working in famous kitchens

→ Living with back pain after a bad car accident

→ Why he cooks with real food and avoids seed oils

→ How he stays focused with ADHD

→ What it takes to run a restaurant for over 25 years

→ Why movement, sleep...

What does it really take to go from broke welder to global CEO?

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Hodson—business strategist, keynote speaker, and former $2B real estate broker—to unpack the raw truths behind building a life that works for you, not one that burns you out.

We talk about:

→ Why most people fail even with great business ideas
→ How Aaron rebuilt his real estate empire after nearly walking away
→ What founders get wrong about scaling and structure
→ The psychology behind selling (it’s not what you think)

Clayton Lindley made a name doing things most people wouldn’t even try.

But behind the insane tricks and viral clips were broken bones, mental crashes, and a growing fear he didn’t talk about—until now.

In this episode, we get into:
→ The hidden cost of chasing adrenaline for a living
→ How he knew his brain was no longer working the same
→ His go-to strategies for rebuilding focus and clarity
→ What fear really is—and how to stop it from running your life
→ Life after extreme sports: creativity, calm, and control
→...

One decision can change everything.

For Laura Madden, it was walking into a frame shop with a painting she made just for herself.

What happened next? It led to a whole new career.

In this episode, Laura shares her journey from health coach to full-time artist—using forgotten materials to create bold, beautiful pieces.

You’ll learn:
— Why did she leave her “normal” job after 15 years
— The creative moment that flipped her mindset
— What it’s like building a brand later in life
— How she turned self-doubt into a strength

What happens when the healthcare system stops working—for both the patient and the doctor?

Dr. Ken Ota quit the insurance grind and now runs a small, personal practice. Dr. Azmi Nasser works in the traditional system but adds a private care touch when patients need more.

In this episode, we talk about:

🔹 Why more people are paying out-of-pocket to skip the wait

🔹 How being a doctor has changed—and why it’s not always good

🔹 What it really looks like when you give patients your cell number

🔹 How jiu-jit...

What happens when your entire identity is ripped away in an instant?

Scotty Scheller was on the fast track to a pro hockey career—until a brutal injury shattered his future overnight. What followed was years of unexplained pain, misdiagnosis, and a battle with depression that nearly cost him everything.

But Scottie didn’t just survive—he rebuilt his life from scratch.

Most people dream of adventure. Anne Lorimer actually lives it.

At 85, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. At 89, she did it again—with broken ribs.

Anne isn’t a professional climber. She didn’t grow up wealthy or privileged. She’s faced poverty, homelessness, and obstacles most people wouldn’t recover from.

But she never quit.

In this episode, Anne shares:

Most people think trauma is just something that happened in the past. A bad memory. Something you "move on" from.

But what if it’s not in your head? What if it’s sitting in your nervous system, shaping how you think, how you react, even how your body feels?

That’s what we’re talking about today. Chelsey Valeri has spent years helping people untangle the effects of deep trauma—the kind that doesn’t just go away with time.

We dive into:

Growing up in a modest Kansas trailer in 1968, I faced poverty, rejection, and a past I wasn’t proud of. From nearly being expelled from a high-society fraternity to hustling guerrilla marketing in grocery stores and bowling alleys, I learned early on that every setback was a setup for a comeback. A high school football coach’s words lit a spark, and I began a relentless pursuit to turn my troubled beginnings into a future defined by purpose.

But the journey wasn’t smooth—financial crises, academic hurdles, and even a debilitating personal crisis during COVID nearly broke me...

Chrissy Sayare never planned to start a luxury consignment empire—until one day, 11 unexpected boxes showed up at her door, packed with Chanel, Gucci, and Valentino. That moment changed everything. With zero retail experience, she took a risk, built a thriving business, and went on to discover a $300,000 Hermes collection that needed MOVERS.

But behind the success is a story of resilience, identity, and breaking barriers. Chrissy opens up about growing up as the daughter of Greek immigrants, hiding a scoliosis brace as a teenager, and how she still battles imposter syndrome despite running a multi-million dollar co...

What if everything you thought was the end was actually just the beginning? Pastor David Friend has been through it all—fighting in the Vietnam War, battling PTSD, surviving cancer linked to Agent Orange, and being told multiple times that he had only months to live. But instead of giving in, he chose faith over fear—and his life became a testimony to resilience, healing, and miracles.

In this gripping episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins sits down with Pastor Friend to uncover the raw truth about his journey—from the jungles of Vietnam to the pu...

From surviving the streets of South Side Chicago to mentoring future NBA stars and changing lives around the world, Coach John Fleming is the definition of resilience and leadership. In this gripping episode of Bending Over Backwards with Dr. James Adkins, Coach Fleming dives into his tough-love coaching philosophy, the role of faith in overcoming adversity, and the life-changing power of mentorship.

Discover how he uses basketball as a platform to teach young men the skills they need to succeed on and off the court. Hear firsthand accounts of his transformative work in Africa, where he combined...

What’s really happening behind the scenes with your health insurance? On this week’s episode of Bending Over Backwards, host James Adkins exposes the shocking tactics used by UnitedHealthcare to deny medically necessary care. From AI tools with error rates as high as 90% to clawback payments that leave doctors and patients in the lurch, we’re diving deep into the troubling intersection of technology and humanity in healthcare.

Discover why spine care patients are suing, how delays in authorizations lead to life-altering complications, and why many feel stuck in a broken system that favors profits over people...

What if every rejection brought you closer to your biggest breakthrough? On this episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins sits down with Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Nick Lowry to uncover the lessons behind his legendary career and life of service. From being cut by eight NFL teams to becoming a three-time Pro Bowler, Nick shares his strategies for building mental toughness, embracing persistence, and staying focused under pressure—even when 80,000 fans (and millions on TV) are watching.

But this conversation goes beyond football. Listeners will learn how to transform personal challenges into opportunities fo...

What happens when a seemingly small decision transforms into a life-altering health battle? In this powerful episode of Bending Over Backwards, Dr. James Adkins welcomes his wife, Emanuelle Adkins, for a raw and intimate conversation. Emanuelle shares her journey of navigating years of unexplained illness, uncovering the truth about breast implant illness, and reclaiming her health through courage and faith. From the pivotal moment of discovery to the life-changing decision of explant surgery, Emanuelle’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of listening to your body.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Emanuelle brin...

What drives someone to turn a fifth-grade fascination with smoker’s lungs into a pioneering career in pain management? In this jam-packed episode of Bending Over Backwards with James Adkins, Dr. Azmi Nasser joins his partner and longtime friend, Dr. James Adkins, to reflect on his journey, from med school surprises to the latest advancements in spine care.

Hear about the evolution of ultra-minimally invasive procedures, the fine line between corticosteroid benefits and risks, and why work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Along the way, Dr. Nasser shares hilarious and heartfelt moments, like an OR an...

What happens when a spine doctor becomes the patient? In this candid and captivating episode of Bending Over Backwards with Dr. James Adkins, we take you on a two-decade journey through the highs and lows of battling a herniated disc, chronic pain, and the lessons learned along the way. Dr. Adkins shares his personal story of overcoming debilitating nerve pain, navigating outdated treatments, and discovering cutting-edge solutions like PRP therapy and bone marrow injections.

But the real game-changer? Learning to take charge of his own recovery outside the doctor's office. From core-strengthening breakthroughs to busting myths about...

Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure as Bending Over Backwards with Dr. James Adkins welcomes extreme sports icon and entrepreneur Clayton Lindley! From freestyle scooter stunts on mega ramps to skydiving, base jumping, and scaling cliffs, Clayton has lived a life most only dream (or fear) of.

In this episode, Clayton reveals his journey from a small-town Texas kid to a globe-trotting athlete, the mental focus it takes to defy gravity, and how he balances the chaos of extreme sports with the calm of golf, yoga, and a thriving media company.

Want to know what...

When a viral scandal could have ended her career, Melissa Rein Lively turned it into a defining moment. In this riveting episode, the PR visionary takes us inside her journey of redemption, resilience, and reinvention. With unflinching honesty, Melissa reveals how she navigated the fallout of public scrutiny, rebuilt her reputation, and used her expertise to turn the media narrative in her favor. Her story isn’t just about survival—it’s a masterclass in thriving through adversity.

Melissa dives deep into the strategies behind her success, from leveraging storytelling to reclaim her personal brand to using social...

Is spine care stuck in the past, or are we rewriting the rules? In this engaging episode, Dr. Rafath Baig, Dr. Azmi Nasser, and Dr. Adkins unpack the latest breakthroughs in endoscopic spine surgery, explore the transformative power of regenerative medicine, and tackle the big question: How do we provide care that’s truly different? From minimizing invasiveness to empowering patient recovery, this conversation highlights how modern spine care is evolving to meet today’s challenges. Tune in for a fresh perspective on health, healing, and the future of back pain solutions!



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