Living Life at Life U Archive

Building Relationships for a Successful Career in Sports, with Dr. Josh Glass

Dr. Josh Glass is a 2001 alumnus of Life University’s College of Chiropactic. He is the owner of Georgia Sports Chiropractic and is also Team Chiropractor of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), the University of Georgia and Georgia Institute of Technology’s Track & Field teams, and Emory University. In this episode of Living Life at Life U, Dr. Glass speaks on his gravitation toward working with athletes and sports teams, but he notes that he considers all people who want to move as athletes. Listen in on this insightful conversation to learn more about the amazing work that Dr. Glass has done and continues doing to improve the expression within each individual he cares for.

Coming to Chiropractic later in life, now supporting future chiropractors with Dr. Eric Clark

Building a rapport early on in the D.C. program with key professors that can help shape and mold students into confident chiropractors is a gift that keeps on giving to the students and to the educators. Dr. Eric Clark is an Assistant Professor in the College of Chiropractic and he speaks about the students in his classes almost like a proud dad, eager to see his early quarter students progress and grow. He especially loves to see them at Clinic Gateway, receiving their clinic coats for the first time as they prepare to work in student clinics.

Dissecting the Anatomy of the Anatomage Lab with Dr. Eric Partin

To know how to facilitate healing in the body, you must first know the ins and outs of how the body works. Dr. Eric Partin is an Associate Professor of Basic Sciences with Life U, specifically teaching Anatomy and Physiology. One major tool that Life University uses to familiarize students with all the parts of the human body and different interferences that can affect it is through Anatomage tables. Dr. Partin is kind enough in this podcast to pull back the curtain on some of the great features and learning tools available through this cutting edge technology.

The Run Down: Sport Health Science and Spinal Cord Injury Specialty Interest, with Gustavo Duran

Gustavo Duran is a fascinating individual who has taken his M.S. in Sport Health Science education at Life University and ran with it. He now works as an Associate Professor of Sport Health Science for Life U, teaching four classes currently for the program. He has a rather compelling career history, most notably his work with the Shepherd Center, addressing spinal cord injuries.

12th quarter insights, finishing up clinics and more with Sarah Cathyrn Snellgrove

Sarah Cathryn Snellgrove is a dedicated D.C. student, reflecting and reminiscing on the wonderful memories of working in Life University’s clinic program, as well as leading as a Group Fitness Instructor for a time in the Fitness Center. 

Balancing Coaching Career Goals and Personal Well-Being, with Tommy Stucky

If you have recently been actively engaged with Life University Athletics, chances are you are well acquainted with Tommy Stucky, Director of Student Athlete Performance. Stucky has coached comprehensive strength and conditioning to athletes of many levels and countless sports, constantly adapting strategies to support students to play, feel and perform their best. Stucky gets real about the challenges of making a career as an athletic coach and how he has sought to strike a balance. 

Taking stock of Life University’s history and Athletic growth, with Dr. Keith Rau

Dr. Keith Rau is a long-term faculty member and D.C. alumnus who currently serves as an Assistant Professor for the Sport Health Science department. He has quite an up-close view of Life University history and how the Athletics programs and Sports Health Science programs have grown over time.

Personal Injury Experience, Recovery Contextualizing Exercise Science with Tyrell Simmons

Tyrell Simmons is a B.S in Exercise Science student and Life U Men’s Wrestling team member. He discusses his ability to overcome adversity while recovering from injuries prior to returning to the sport he loves, as well as how his experiences helped to give more meaning to what he is learning in Exercise Science.

Research as a means to address deep questions, with Dr. Christie Kwon

Dr. Christie Kwon has been exploring various paths of meaningful research for much of her career. She is a full-time faculty member and Research Chair at Life University, among other vital roles inside and outside of the University. Today she joins this special research series with Dr. Veronica Garcia-Chapparo and co-host Erin Gilligan to discuss the importance of defining what questions a researcher would personally like to have answered, as a personal connection to a research topic makes the task that much more tangible. 

Creating balance as student athletes, embracing diversity, academic rigor and growth with Stan Vandierendonck

Stan Vandierendonck is a shining example of the dedication and passion exhibited among many of Life University’s International students. Vandierendonck is from Belgium, and he sincerely enjoys the rich diversity of many of the soccer teams he has played on, having the privilege to play alongside people from all over the world and Life University (Life U) is no different. Vandierendonck currently serves on the Life U Men’s Soccer team as Captain and as a mid-fielder. He is currently completing a B.S in Interdisciplinary Studies, and he has previously received degrees as a B.S in Psychology and a B.S in Computer Information Systems and Technology (CIST).

Dr. Michael D. Amos, PsyD, PCC., is a doctor of psychology, author, speaker, executive coach, and entrepreneur. At Life University, he serves as a Professor of Undergraduate Psychology. He is the founder of Renovatio Leadership Institute, a training institute for the development of Optimal human performance and self-leadership development.

Soccer is more than just a sport, it is something of a way of life for the dedicated players and fans here at Life U and farther afield. Matheus Brandao is early on in his career, trying to see how to turn his commitment to sports and athletics analysis into a lifelong professional passion. He currently serves as a Graduate Assistant for Life U Men’s Soccer, while completing his studies as a B.S in Computer Information Systems and Technology (CIST) student.

Chiropractic and care for active military servicemen, women and veterans has been intertwined for many years. In fact, many people are first introduced to the benefits of chiropractic through first experiencing it through care received during military service. That was the case for Dustin Biggerstaff, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who is now a Life U D.C. student. Biggerstaff discusses the adjustment and transitionary period into the civilian workforce that is often very jarring for veterans, as well as how chiropractic has helped his life personally and now professionally. 

Dr. Charmaine Herman, Professor of Clinical Sciences, speaks at length about Blaire Upper Cervical Technique and how it can improve patient outcomes. She is club advisor for the Blair UC Technique Club and the Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA). Dr. Herman is a board member for the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and was awarded a Fellow of the ICA in April 2023.

Research Series- Harnessing Data for Knowledge of Pregnancy Outcomes with Lauren Bruss

Pregnancy can be a tumultuous and anxiety-ridden time for mothers-to-be. Can chiropractic make that process any easier and even possibly positively affect birth outcomes? That is the question that Lauren Bruss, D.C. student and RISE scholar, seeks to explore in her research project through Life University. This special research series is co-hosted by Erin Gilligan, Project Coordinator of Research & Scholarly Activity.

Campus Dietetics in Action with Cathy Tillery

Figuring out the best ways to help Life University students and student athletes learn how to eat well is a full time job. Campus Dietitian Cathy Tillery explains the challenges that many students in the Life U community face as many of them are learning for the first time how to manage their own dietary needs.

Brandi Sharp, Admissions Counselor and B.S. in Biopsychology student, spreads Lasting Purpose and the mission of Life University’s vitalistic philosophy to high school students looking for their next steps. Sharp discusses the joy of that process and what keeps her going.

Finding the Beauty in Chiropractic Technique & Analysis with Dr. Sherterica Hall

Dr. Sherterica Hall, Assistant Professor of Technique and Analysis, is a Life U D.C. alumna who has been in her students’ shoes. Today’s conversation touches on many fascinating points, including many different avenues, approaches and specializations that Chiropractic can take. Dr. Hall’s advice is to explore and be open to the possibility of a new passion or path. 

All About the Academic Learning Center (ALC) with Brianna Beaty

Life University has dedicated countless resources to ensure that students are supported during their time in school. The Academic Learning Center (ALC) is one key piece of that commitment, intended to facilitate the academic growth of students, no matter where they are in their journey, by providing assistance through a variety of services aimed to promote their success while at Life U. Lead Specialist for the ALC Brianna Beaty breaks down many of the available offerings in this podcast. 

Behind the Scenes of Admissions and more with Brenda Castaneda

Brenda Castaneda is a Credentials and Admissions Evaluator here at Life University, as well as a current Sports Health Science graduate student. Here about her journey balancing studies with the full-time demanding role of moving students through the Admissions process. 

Research Series- Surveying Chiropractic Benefits Over Time with Samantha Long

How much of a difference does it truly make to receive chiropractic care from a young age? That is a fascinating question that has gone largely unexplored from a research perspective, but a determined young student in Life U’s chiropractic research track seeks to change that. Samantha Long has been working with Life U’s research department to create a simple survey to analyze how people have reported their general health and wellness and how that compares to the amount of chiropractic care they may have received. This special research series is co-hosted by Erin Gilligan- Project Coordinator, Research & Scholarly Activity.

Survey link if you care to participate (limited availability, may close).

Get with the Programming! Defining Computer Information Systems & Technology with Sailaja Pydimarri

The exciting world of Computer Information Systems & Technology is constantly changing, so let’s try to clear the path a bit. Sailaja Pydimarri is an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems for Life University, as well as an accomplished software developer, web designer, database designer and data analyst. She is Sigma Beta Delta Chapter Officer at the University. Pydimarri discusses the growing demand in stem careers, as well as what it looks like as a woman in an often male-dominated landscape. 

Showing love to Pediatric Chiropractic with Dr. Shannon Good

Dr. Shannon Good is a D.C. alumna and now an Associate Professor of Chiropractic Sciences at Life University. Dr. Good is a specialist in pediatric and perinatal chiropractic care and serves as an advisor to Life U’s ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) student club. In this podcast, she points to some of the joys and challenges associated with these specialties.

Turning varied passions into community service, with Dr. Thomas Wuerth

Dr. Thomas Wuerth is a very busy and very active person. Not only is he an Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences for Life University (Life U), but he also owns Woodstock Jiu Jitsu and serves as its head instructor. Dr. Wuerth speaks on the joys of his job at Life U, as well as how it intersects with his work at the Jiu Jitsu studio. Dr. Wuerth is also holding quarterly situational awareness self-defense seminars for Life U students and staff to gain hands-on knowledge about how to stay safe and be aware of surroundings.

Observing Nutritional Health through a Clinical Lens, with Alma Ayala Diaz

You may have heard the moniker ‘Food is Medicine’, but what does that really look like? How can we take a nutrient-rich diet and use it to fuel good health? Alma Ayala Diaz is one of our enterprising M.S in Clinical Nutrition students who already has a fair amount of experience working in the field of nutrition. She is also President of the Food and Nutrition Club at Life University. She and our host Dr. Veronica Garcia-Chapparo discuss what steps have to be taken to pursue an education and career in Clinical Nutrition.

Converting Passion for Sports and Athletics Into a Career Path, with Riley Dalrymple

B.S in Exercise Student and Life University (Life U) Women’s Wrestler Riley Dalrymple discusses the recruitment process that led her to come to Life U as a student-athlete, as well as her opportunities to learn how to apply her interests in sports and athletics through her degree program, her favorite courses, as well as various work opportunities on and off campus to hone her skills.

Making Chiropractic Education Work for You, with Dr. Eric Parada

Dr. Eric Parada, Associate Professor for Chiropractic Sciences, gets into the nitty gritty of what it takes to get chiropractic students prepared to take on chiropractic practice. He talks at length about the technological phenomenon that is lovingly referred to as PAT, which stands for Palpation and Adjustment Trainer. This anatomically accurate, technology-based mannequin created at Life University has the look, feel, size and weight of an average person in order to improve chiropractic adjustment skills.

How an emotional personal health journey led to empathy, with Phenix Cowart

Phenix Cowart is a young lady that excudes optimism and positivity, which is an admirable outlook given her personal health battles related to a leukemia diagnosis. Cowart is a B.S in Dietetics student at Life U who has a profound interest in how proper nutrition can improve health outcomes. In the midst of hardships related to her health, Cowart has noted that she has learned a fair amount about patient emotions and the need to be empathetic which she will carry with her in her desired career as a Registered Dietitian.

Staying on Track: Track & Field, Physical Therapy Career Goals and more with Brianna Florvilus

Brianna Florvilus is always on the move. As an M.S. in Sport Health Science student and a member of the Life U Women’s Track and Field team, Florvilus is working hard to make her career goals to become a physical therapist a reality. She discusses her interest in Injury prevention and the aspects of the physical therapy profession that she enjoys in this podcast.

Helping students find their Life U vision, with Keith Jordan

Keith Jordan, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, peels back the behind-the-scenes curtain so prospective Life U students can get a better idea of the value that Life U offers, as well as touching on some of Life U’s goals in terms of encouraging a diverse student body. 

Redefining the possibilities of Research at Life U, with Erin Gilligan

Erin Gilligan serves as Project Coordinator for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Life University. In this discussion, he expounds on vital research and scholarly activity coming out of CETL and Life U, and how students can get access to funds to explore passion research projects. Gilligan also has an interest in assisting this podcast in showcasing more innovative research initiatives happening at the University, so keep checking in for more on that soon.

Creating community as an international student athlete and business student, with Ramy Katit

B.B.A student and Life U Men’s soccer player Rami Katit describes a bit about what it is like to travel from across the world to join the diverse and vibrant culture of Life University. Originally from Germany, he certainly experienced some level of culture shock but ultimately feels his experiences have helped him to grow as a person.

Looking at the benefits of a franchise chiropractic model, with Dr. Greco and The Joint Chiropractic

Dr. Patrick Greco, Regional Director for The Joint Chiropractic, paints a picture of what a franchise chiropractic model such as The Joint Chiropractic looks like and functions like. The Joint Chiropractic is a long-time sponsor of Life University activities and needs, most recently in regard to donations leading to athletic facility improvements. 

Sports, Student Ambassadors and more with Annaliese Froese

Annaliese Froese, D.C. student and Student Ambassador, catches up with her Student Ambassador mentor and speaks on her challenges and triumphs as a student-athlete, Student Ambassador and more.

Discussing Responsible Health Information Management and Online Education, with Dr. James Bush

Dr. James Bush, Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Business at Life U, comes from a background of healthcare information management. He discusses with our podcast host the importance of responsibly and securely managing healthcare data, as well as the challenges and rewards of teaching through Online Education.

Finding Purpose and Positivity in Business and at Life U, with Dr. Paula Billups

The paths that business students take are rarely linear and clear cut. There are important questions that students need to answer for themselves about the kind of people that they want to be professionally and personally. Paula Billups, Assistant Professor of Business, opens up about how Life U’s business classes and programs give students to space to explore their potential and their preferred career trajectories.

Forging your own business journey, with Dr. Marie Powell

Career journeys can take many winding roads to take the direction that best suits the person taking it. Just ask Dr. Marie Powell, Assistant Professor of Business her at Life University. She has a fascinating and varied professional career that makes her uniquely qualified to give students insight on many kinds of potential pathways and how to gauge what works best for them. 

Into the Scrum: Life U’s Club Rugby History with Coach Blake Bradford

If you are a Life U Rugby fan, you might have some questions about the difference between Club Rugby and the standard Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams. Here to pick that apart and to give you some insight into upcoming excitement coming out Life U’s Men’s Club Rugby playbook, we have Coach Blake Bradford. 

Shining a light on Exercise Science, with James Paul

“Exercise Science often gets a bad rap”, says James Paul, Instructor for the Sports Health Science Department. What exactly does he mean? Find out in this exciting podcast delving into the expansive landscape of the field of Exercise Science.

Psyched about Psychology with guest Mitchell Ferguson

Mitchell Ferguson, Assistant Professor in Life University’s Psychology Department, discusses what sets apart our University’s Psychology programs as a more robust and well-rounded educational paradigm.

Career Exploration Through Career Services, with Samantha Clark

Career exploration is an important part of personal and professional growth. Samantha Clark, Director of Career Services at Life U, encourages students to equip themselves with the best knowledge and tools available to them through the University in order to reach their highest potential.

Positivity and Impact from the M.S in Positive Psychology program, with Alette Stache and Alison Smith

Follow two accomplished Life University M.S in Positive Psychology students, Alette Stache and Alison Smith, as they ruminate on how this one-of-a-kind online program has helped them to grow personally. As they both approach graduation rapidly, it is a time of reflection and gratitude.

Solid foundations of Chiropractic Research, with Dr. Stephanie Sullivan

Research is the bedrock on which we build, “research of clinical relevance to the patients and profession of chiropractic, embodying the core values of Life University.” Dr. Stephanie Sullivan, Director of Life U’s Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research (CCR), explains further about CCR’s mission and its potential impact.

Rugby History at Life University and Beyond, With Coach Colton Cariaga

If you spend any time around Life University Athletics, then you will hear a thing or two about Rugby. Rugby is a fascinating sport that has truly gained remarkable traction in the United States in recent years, as evidenced in part by the growth and success of Life University’s Rugby programs. Coach Colton Cariaga, Life U Men’s Rugby Coach, gives a crash course on the origins of Rugby as a whole, the origins of Rugby at Life U and a look at the future of the sport as a professional entity in which some Life U student athletes have signed on and currently play for.

In the business of building better business students, with Dr. Marla Thompson

Let’s get down to business with Dr. Marla Thompson, Adjunct Professor in the Business Department, as she details riveting developments in Life U’s business programs.

Opportunities for Health Care Professionals working for the Armed Forces, with Dr. Michael Smith and Dr. Saphronia Johnson

Dr. Michael Smith, Ph.D, Associate Dean of the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (CGUS) and Dr. Saphronia Johnson, Ph.D, Assistant Dean of Natural Sciences, recently represented Life University in a partnership with the U.S Armed Forces to help connect students with work opportunities and tuition coverage though military service. Learn more about the benefits of caring for troops and veterans in this podcast.

Paving new paths with Life U Women’s Flag Football, with Coach Jenitra Shields

Life University is making history with forming one of the first collegiate Women’s Flag Football teams, as well as being the first to provide scholarships for the sport. Life U is currently being honored in the Chick-Fil-A Hall of Fame for these efforts. Coach Jenitra Shields gears up for the inaugural season and hypes up the Life U Running Eagles to cheer their team on and even consider participating.

Making Math Beautiful: The Connection of Mathematics and Music, with Jeremy Kastine

Math is one of those things in our lives that many of us think of as flat and uninspired, but in fact math makes the world go round. Jeremy Kastine, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, opens us up to the many possibilities that math allows for, in particular how it relates to music.

Education transforming lives through The Chillon Project, with Dr. Thomas Fabisiak, Michelle Morrison and Kareemah Hanifa

Today’s topic is a big one, highlighting the historic work of The Chillon Project, a Life University initiative providing higher education to people impacted by the prison system in Georgia. Our special guests are Dr. Thomas Fabisiak, Director of the Chillon Project, along with Chillon graduates Kareemah Hanifa and Michelle Morrison.

A student perspective on Human Ecology and a greener campus, with guest Kaitlin Ivey

Kaitlin Ivey joins us to let us know about her journey as a B.S in Human Ecology student, as well as the growth of the Green LIFE club on campus, of which she currently serves as Vice President.

Dr. Mark Kovacs talks on Life U’s Master in Sports Science, new Tennis Fitness & Sport Science Track

It’s time to get active and learn about exciting new developments at Life U, as Dr. Mark Kovacs, Director of LIFE Sport Science Institute (LSSI) and Professor for the Department of Sport Health Science, dives into the particulars of our special Master in Sport Health Science program. He also introduces the brand-new Tennis Fitness & Sport Science Track, designed to give professionals a specialized education targeted toward success in tennis-related fields.

Chiropractic as a second career

Today is a reunion of college classmates as Véronica sits down with friend and Life U D.C. alumnus Dr. Chris Peterson, Owner of Midtown Life Studio. The topic on the table is what is it like to take on Chiropractic as a second career.

Examining Lasting Purpose and Compassionate Integrity Training with Rebecca Koch

Host Dr. Veronica Garcia- Chapparo is joined by Rebecca Koch, Director of Service Initiatives. They discuss Life U’s founding principle of Lasting Purpose, as well as the related initiative of Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) offered by Life U.

Peaking at P.E.A.K and other exciting aspects of Chiropractic at Life U

Host Dr. Veronica Garcia-Chapparo is joined today by Dr. John Markham, Executive Director of Level III Clinics and the PEAK program here at Life U. They chat about the ins and outs of the PEAK internship program at Life U, as well as the chiropractic program in general.

The Science of Life U- Examining Adaptative Teaching Approaches in the Natural Sciences Division

Today’s episode brings Dr. Deidre Meiggs and Dr. Andrew McIntosh from the Natural Sciences Division, talking about their dedication as educators to find inventive ways to help students engage with complex material and succeed.

Unlocking the power of the brain with NeuroLIFE Institute

This segment of the Living Life at Life U Podcast brings Dr. Dominic Fetterly, Director of NeuroLIFE Institute, to talk about strides made in cutting edge technologies the institute is studying and using to revitalize healthcare. For those interested in learning more about the ins and outs of applied clinical neuroscience, this is an excellent introduction.

Supporting Well-rounded Student Athletes, with Jayme Pendergast and Ashley Flavin

Our podcast this week highlights two heavy hitters in our Life U Athletics department, Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast and Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Ashley Flavin. This week we tackle the many challenges and triumphs that student athletes are familiar with, as well as how a well-organized collegiate program can better support them to succeed on and off the field.

An Eye on Good Nutrition with Denise Pickett-Bernard

Our host, Dr. Véronica Garcia-Chaparro, is a proud alumna of the Life U D.C. program as well as a practicing chiropractor and friend of the University. Joining her today is Denise Pickett-Bernard, Associate Professor of Nutrition at Life U, who explains the different nutritional programs offered at Life U, equipping future nutritionists, dietitians and more.

Living for a 100 Year Lifestyle and Learning More about True Healthcare Careers with Dr. Eric Plasker

Today’s special guest is none other than Dr. Eric Plasker, Chiropractor and Creator of The 100 Year Lifestyle. He and Véronica delve into deep ground related to what living a 100 Year Lifestyle means, the reasons to pursue a career in healthcare versus “crisis care” and more.