Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman

As we wrap up 2025, we’re doing a shortened version of our annual recap—part reflection, part intention. Katy and Jeannette share their biggest movement wins, smartest health decisions, and one-word themes for the year, then look ahead to what they’re prioritizing in 2026 (strength, power, simplicity, and efficiency). Then we distill the past year’s episodes into a clear set of movement rules for 2026 including: movement works locally (not just systemically), the 5 S’s of aging (strong, steady, straight, supple, swift) and the reminder that there will always be something else… move anyway.If you only listen to one episode to catch up on the year and set your movement intentions for the next, make it this one.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript06:25 Katy and Jeannette review 2025 and look ahead to 202620:40 The Dynamic Collective22:36 Movement Rule Number One: Movement works locally, not just systemically32:05 Movement Rule Number Two: You should be getting the 5 S's of aging38:46 Movement Rule Number Three: It's not the mode, it's the load43:13 Movement Rule Number Four: The upward climb – why you need to exercise more as you age51:29 Movement Rule Number Five: Hearts are like hip joints, or why you need to do more for your heart than just cardio56:01 Movement Rule Number Six: There will always be something else – move anywayLINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDMy Perfect Movement Plan by Katy BowmanI Know I Should Exercise But... by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Katy offers an aging reframe: in middle age, you are not “over the hill”—you are actually at the bottom of a valley, and staying strong and healthy means choosing to go uphill on purpose. Katy and Jeannette unpack the difference between chronological age and biological aging, why modern life may be speeding up the aging process, and how movement and exercise positively influence the cellular “hallmarks of aging.” They explore why exercise needs to increase with age (even when life gets busier and energy feels lower), and how reframing discomfort can make consistency possible—so you can extend not just your lifespan, but your healthspan, too.Katy also speaks with Pack Matthews of Ikaria Design (creator of the Soul Seat) about “active sitting” and why our rest positions matter as we age. Pack shares his personal origin story—using floor-sitting and dynamic postures to counter arthritis. They also preview the upcoming Soul Seat Mini for the smaller people in your life and explore its role in dynamic classrooms.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:03:00 — Flipping the visual: “over the hill” → “in the valley”00:04:00 — The Dynamic Collective00:06:00 — Chronological age vs biological aging & lifespan vs healthspan 00:08:35 — What may be accelerating aging: obesity, diet, sedentary behavior, stress00:12:00 — How “biological age” is measured + hallmarks of aging00:18:00 — Why exercise must increase with age: choosing uphill (progressive overload)00:36:00 — Listener question: handedness across humans, animals, and even plants00:47:00 — Interview: Pack Matthews (Ikaria Design) on the Soul Seat + active sitting LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDHandedness in Animals and PlantsIkaria Design Soul Seat Instagram Soul Seat Facebook CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNMovement Advent 2025: 24 Ball Exercises to Balance Tech StressJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT. Venn Design: Stylish ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting—featuring in our 2025 Movement Advent!Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Katy & Jeannette dive into the question: can movement really change your DNA? Using clear analogies—like libraries, recipes, and sticky notes—they unpack what DNA is, how gene expression works, and what we really mean by epigenetics (the “on top of” changes that influence which genes get used). They explore how exercise can turn the “volume up or down” on metabolic genes, pro-inflammatory markers, and stress protein genes, and how many of these changes involve altering the arrangement and access to DNA within your cells.Using another accessible analogy of spider webs, they explore how forces on cells (through mechanotransduction) act as a powerful, non-chemical “nutrient” that can literally move your DNA and alter epigenetics and gene expression. This is why exercise and everyday movement not only have systemic benefits but also site-specific effects—and why the distribution of movement throughout your body matters just as much as how much you move.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00:23 “You can’t change DNA”: Katy’s green-room story with a physician who insists DNA is fixed.00:03:33 What is DNA? Jeanette’s library-and-recipe analogy explaining DNA and gene expression.00:06:11 Genes as volume controls: How exercise turns gene activity up or down rather than rewriting DNA.00:12:02 Chromatin & compacted DNA: Archival library shelves as a metaphor for genes you rarely “reach for.”00:18:54 Mechanotransduction & spider webs: How movement plucks the cell’s “web” and signals the nucleus.00:25:36 Epigenetics explained: Sticky notes, covered keyholes, and how markers sit “on top” of DNA.00:29:28 Epigenetic memory & trained vs. untrained leg study: Why movement has site-specific effects.00:32:17 Listener Question (sponsored by Movemate): Do organs such as the brain, liver, and kidney need specific movements?BOOKS & RESEARCH MENTIONEDMove Your DNA book by Katy Bowman Epigenetic profile of trained vs untrained leg  Walking & blood circulation to the brainPhysical Activity, Gut Motility & ConstipationCONNECT, MOVE & LEARNMovement Advent 2025: 24 Ball Exercises to Balance Tech StressJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus. Take 15% off until Dec 7th with code MOVEMy Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Venn Design: Stylish ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting—featuring in our 2025 Movement Advent! Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Katy and Jeannette explore why proper recovery is just as important as your workouts. They explain how short-term recovery between repetitions or intervals restores homeostasis—the steady state of your cells—allowing you to continue a training session effectively. Over the longer term, recovery after vigorous activity supports tissue repair and adaptation, helping your muscles and connective tissues strengthen. Without sufficient recovery, training plateaus can occur, and your risk of illness may increase. Finally, they discuss rest as an essential part of recovery and share strategies such as cross-training, stretching, and massage to support the body’s repair and adaptation processes.Katy talks with Jim Leuty of My Happy Feet Alignment Socks, a simple and effective recovery tool that gently stretches and realigns toes while you rest! Toe-spacers are part of the recovery routine for performers like Taylor Swift, who dance in high heels—and they’re helpful for everyone, particularly if you spend long hours on your feet or struggle with bunions or foot pain. Jim also shares his newest products, including kid sizes and complete foot care gift kits.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript1:34 — Introducing the Dynamic Collective Sponsors3:14 — What Is Recovery? Short-Term vs. Long-Term6:29 — Post-Workout Fatigue: Understanding What’s Still “Off” in Your Body9:19 — Rest vs. Recovery: Why They’re Not the Same13:12 — How Recovery After Vigorous Exercise Supports Adaptation and Strength17:17 — Intensity, Training Plateaus, and the Importance of Variability26:31 — Strategies to Boost Recovery: Sleep, Cross-Training, Massage, and Stretching30:01 — Listener Question: How Does Altitude & Plane Travel Affect The Body?39:44 — Introducing My Happy Feet Alignment Socks41:03 — Socks vs. Toe Spacers: What’s the Difference?46:19 — Real Results, Testimonials, and Taylor Swift’s High-Heel Recovery49:09 — Gifting Foot Care Items and New ProductsITEMS, BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDMy Happy Feet Alignment Socks International orders My Happy Feet Global Super Foot Care Kit Simple Steps To Foot Pain Relief by Katy BowmanCONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS:Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 15% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Venn Design: Stylish ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting—enjoy 20% off Nov 17–26 with code MOVEMENTREVOLUTION.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

What does it mean to raise — or be — a “spicy one”? In this deeply honest and energizing conversation, Katy Bowman and author Mary Van Geffen unpack what it’s like to parent strong-willed, big-feeling kids (and stay sane while doing it). They discuss how movement can support self-regulation and co-regulation, helping both parent and child navigate intensity with compassion and humor. Together, they look at the role of movement before, during, and after heated moments — as well as the art of knowing when to walk away. This episode offers practical wisdom for growing your “calm muscle” and showing up as the safest person in the room.Jeannette chats with inventor, designer, and athlete Tyler Benner of Venn Design — the creative mind behind movement-friendly furniture like the Air Chair and the revolutionary barefoot cycling shoe. They explore Tyler’s “genius energy” and how movement awareness informs everything he creates, from furniture to archery tools and innovative footwear. Enhanced Show Notes and Full TranscriptEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:0:00 – Meet Mary Van Geffen – Parenting insights for “Spicy Ones”0:05 – What is a “Spicy One”? – Understanding strong-willed, big-feeling kids0:07 – Regulation & Co-Regulation – How parents and kids navigate intensity together0:10 – Contagious Emotions & Training your ‘Calm’ Muscle– Mirror neurons in action0:14 – Quick Regulation Tools – Breathing, sensing, and self-talk0:19 – Move to Regulate – Using movement before, during, and after heated moments0:37 – Massage & Connection – Diffusing tension with touch0:52 – Mary’s Resources – Books, classes, and meditations0:53 – Meet Tyler Benner & Venn Design – Movement-friendly furniture and innovative tools0:54 – Dynamic Furniture – Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage motion0:57 – Genius Energy & Archery – Aligning bones for power and precision1:04 – Tyler’s Shot Trainer – Archery form and physics made simple1:07 – Barefoot Cycling Shoes – The first foot-shaped cycling shoes designed for comfort and performanceBOOKS & RESEARCH MENTIONEDParenting A Spicy One: A comprehensive Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid by Mary Van GeffenMove Your DNA by Katy Bowman "Movement Hunger" Signals by Katy Bowman CONNECT, MOVE & LEARNJoin Katy's Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on Substack Try Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days! About Mary Van Geffen OUR SPONSORVenn Design makes gorgeous, movement-friendly furniture that turns your home into a space that inspires you to move. Strong Feet Athletics’ barefoot cycling shoes give your feet freedom, comfort, and power—say goodbye to cramped toes! Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits