JRE #601 - Katy Bowman

1/14/2015

Joe Rogan Podcast #601 – Katy Bowman: Topics & Summary

This podcast explores the life and work of Katy Bowman, a biomechanist who advocates for natural movement and a more primitive way of living. The conversation delves into provocative topics surrounding modern lifestyle choices, their impact on health, and the potential benefits of returning to a more natural way of being.

Underlying themes explore the profound influence of our environment on our bodies and minds, the importance of challenging the status quo, and the potential for reclaiming a more holistic and fulfilling way of living.

1. The Pacific Northwest as a Haven:

Bowman relocated to the Pacific Northwest seeking a less populated, more natural environment conducive to her philosophy of natural movement.
She describes the area as a “rain shadow” with abundant wilderness, abundant wildlife, and a sense of community.
The region offers opportunities for fishing, foraging, and connecting with nature in a way that is more challenging and rewarding than urban settings.
The move was a deliberate attempt to escape the constraints of modern living and create a space for a more fulfilling and intentional way of life.

2. The Dangers of Modern Living and “Diseases of Captivity”:

Bowman argues that many common health problems, which she calls “diseases of captivity,” stem from our sedentary lifestyle and disconnect from nature.
She uses the analogy of Orcas in captivity, pointing out the deformities that result from their restricted movement, to illustrate how our modern environment affects our bodies.
She highlights issues like posture, vision problems, and even fertility concerns as consequences of our unnatural way of living.
Her message emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health, addressing the environmental factors that contribute to disease and discomfort.

3. The Importance of Natural Movement and Alignment:

Bowman emphasizes the importance of natural movement as a crucial element of health and well-being.
She argues that the body needs a diverse range of movement, similar to the variety of activities experienced by animals in the wild.
She believes that walking, squatting, climbing, and other natural movements are essential for maintaining proper alignment and overall health.
She highlights the detrimental effects of repetitive, limited movements found in our modern lifestyle and encourages us to explore a more dynamic and varied approach to movement.

4. The Impact of Shoes and Other “Casts”:

Bowman argues that shoes, particularly those with elevated heels or cushioned soles, restrict natural foot function and impact alignment throughout the body.
She believes that wearing flat, flexible shoes or even going barefoot allows the foot to function more naturally, improving balance, strength, and overall health.
She expands the concept of “casts” to include other aspects of our modern environment that limit natural movement, such as our homes, offices, and even the distance we look at.
She encourages us to identify and challenge these “casts” in order to reclaim a more natural and fulfilling way of being.

5. The Importance of Texture and Variety in Movement:

Bowman emphasizes the importance of texture and variety in our movement, highlighting the differences between smooth, flat surfaces and the uneven terrain encountered in nature.
She argues that our hands and feet need to experience different textures to develop strength, balance, and dexterity.
She encourages activities such as climbing trees, picking up rocks, and carrying heavy loads to challenge the body in ways that mimic natural movements.
She emphasizes that the body thrives on diversity and adaptation, urging us to step away from repetitive, limited movements found in our modern environment.

6. The Deceptive Nature of Modern “Fitness”:

Bowman challenges the notion of “fitness” as it is often defined in our modern society, arguing that traditional exercise routines often focus on isolated movements and neglect the broader needs of the body.
She suggests that a more holistic approach to movement, integrating natural activities into everyday life, is essential for true health and well-being.
She points out that even individuals who are considered fit may be suffering from “diseases of captivity” due to their limited movement patterns and lack of diverse stimuli.
She believes that true optimization of the body involves addressing all aspects of movement, not just those targeted by structured exercise routines.

7. The Power of Movement for Immune Function and Overall Health:

Bowman argues that movement is a key component of a robust immune system.
She explains that the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in removing cellular waste and fighting infection, relies on muscle movement to function effectively.
She shares her experience with her children, who have never been sick, attributing their resilience to their active lifestyle and lack of exposure to processed foods and chemicals.
She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing natural movement as a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being.

8. The Limitations of Modern Medicine and the Search for Natural Solutions:

Bowman expresses skepticism towards the limitations of modern medicine, highlighting its focus on addressing symptoms rather than underlying causes.
She believes that many health problems can be prevented or mitigated through lifestyle changes, particularly those involving movement and nutrition.
She encourages a return to natural solutions, drawing inspiration from traditional practices and observing the adaptations found in other animals.
Her approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body and its environment, advocating for a more holistic understanding of health.

9. The Unconventional Approach to Raising Children:

Bowman describes her unconventional approach to raising her children, emphasizing natural movement, a minimalist lifestyle, and a connection with nature.
She explains her decision to avoid traditional furniture, including beds and couches, opting for a more primitive way of living.
She shares her experience with nature school, a model that encourages hands-on learning and a deep connection with the natural world.
Her approach challenges the norms of modern parenting, advocating for a more holistic and empowering way of raising children.

10. The Role of Technology in Shaping Our Lives:

Bowman discusses the pervasive influence of technology on our lives, highlighting its potential to restrict movement and impact our well-being.
She expresses concern over the increasing use of smartphones, computers, and other devices, particularly among children, and their potential consequences for development.
She also raises concerns about the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) from electronic devices, suggesting potential impacts on health.
She advocates for a more mindful approach to technology, recognizing its potential benefits while acknowledging its potential downsides.

11. The Importance of Community and Connection:

Bowman emphasizes the importance of community and connection as essential elements of well-being.
She contrasts the sense of community found in rural settings and wilderness areas with the isolation often experienced in large cities.
She believes that our social environment plays a crucial role in shaping our health, and that a strong sense of community fosters resilience and a sense of belonging.
She advocates for intentional community building, seeking out those who share similar values and fostering a sense of connection beyond the confines of modern life.

12. The Future of Human Development and the Role of Natural Living:

Bowman speculates on the future of human development, considering the potential implications of advanced technologies like artificial limbs and genetic engineering.
She expresses concern over the potential for these technologies to disrupt our natural balance and create unintended consequences.
She advocates for a more mindful approach to technological advancements, ensuring that we prioritize a harmonious relationship with our bodies and the natural world.
She believes that a return to natural living, embracing the wisdom of our ancestors and the interconnectedness of all living things, is essential for a sustainable and fulfilling future.

Memorable Quotes:

“I’m trying to put back these isolated pieces of how you eat and how you move and how you think and where you spend your time and even where you spend your money of going well, if we all just kinda go spend a little bit more time out in in nature.” – Bowman emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and advocates for a holistic approach to well-being.
“The structure has been set by the fact it swims in a circle. So it softens all all fins soften as the work goes from its juvenile through its teenager to an adulthood, but coupled package with that is swimming in a particular way at depths where the forces are such that it maintains and shapes this structure, this end result that we call in Orca. So we are swimming metaphorically to counterclockwise all of the time.” – Bowman uses the analogy of Orcas in captivity to illustrate the profound impact of our environment on our physical and mental well-being.
“It’s like if you did a bunch of curls, bicep curls, and you never ever put your your arm down, it’s like you did them all. And then when you were done, you tied it up there. You can imagine what the shape of the bicep would look like and the function of the elbow and the shoulder and how eventually that bicep would not just pull your lower arm up to your upper arm, but would start to pull your shoulder in towards your upper arm. Same thing goes with the eyes.” – Bowman’s vivid analogy highlights the importance of engaging in a full range of movement and challenging the body in diverse ways.
“The thing with The thing with posture is posture is this modern construct that has arisen in a culture that doesn’t move at all. Right? So it’s really like, what’s the optimal way to be still?” – Bowman challenges the conventional focus on posture, emphasizing that our bodies were designed for movement, not stillness.
“I think that I think that with a lot of illness, it’s the delay. Right? It’s like you’re making the muke as it sits around for so long. It just takes, like, what we envision being sick. is is the coping mechanism. It’s like a sluggish immune system.” – Bowman suggests that a robust immune system is not just about avoiding germs, but also about building a strong foundation through natural movement and a healthy lifestyle.

JRE #601 – Katy Bowman