The Breath–Body Connection: Airway Health, Posture, and Nervous System Resilience with Dr. Mandeep Johal | #9
Root To RiseShow Notes
Our guest today is Dr. Mandeep Johal, D.M.D., a biological dentist based in Ontario who believes that whole-body wellness begins in the mouth. With a unique integrative approach, Dr. Johal explores the connections between oral health, airway function, breathing, nutrition, posture, and the nervous system. With extensive training in airway-focused orthodontics, tongue-tie treatment, sleep apnea care, and the dental–postural connection, she is helping redefine what it means to care for oral health—not just treating the teeth, but supporting the entire body. In this conversation, Dr. Johal and Dr. Emily dive into: Why airway health is the foundation of breathing, energy, and performance Common airway dysfunctions that often go undetected The surprising impact of nasal breathing on health, sleep, and athletic recovery The foot-to-core-to-airway connection—how posture and movement patterns influence the way we breathe How oral health, sleep, and nervous system regulation are deeply intertwined Simple, practical breathing practices you can start using today to improve airway function and resilience Whether you're a parent curious about your child's development, an athlete looking to optimize performance, or someone navigating sleep or stress challenges, this episode offers powerful insights on how breath and body are inseparably connected. Resources & Links: Learn more about Dr. Mandeep Johal: https://www.mandeepjohal.com/ Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: https://dremilysplichal.com/
More from Root To Rise
What happens when sound becomes something you feel? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes Barbara Depta of Resync Your Body to explore vibroacoustics—the experience of sound through vibration—and its place in conversations about body awareness, relaxation, and recovery. Barbara shares her approach to combining movement, breathwork, and sensory experiences, including her vibroacoustic chair. Together, they discuss the relationship between sensation and presence, why recovery deserves space in our daily lives, and how we can become more attentive to what our bodies are telling us. Tune in for a conversation about sound, fascia, and reconnecting with your body. Subscribe to Root to Rise for more conversations on sensory intelligence, movement longevity, and what it means to feel alive. To learn more about Resync Your body - www.resyncyourbody.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm
What if understanding healing starts with understanding the body's own capacity for change? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal welcomes back Dr. Sean Drake to explore energy—from cellular processes to our everyday experience of vitality, movement, and connection. Together, they unpack the idea that "you are the modality," exploring how breath, movement, and nervous system awareness fit into a broader approach to health. They also discuss tools Dr. Drake incorporates into his practice, including PEMF, and how he thinks about their role alongside the body's own healing processes. A conversation about curiosity, participation, and what it means to take an active role in your health. Learn more about Dr Sean at: www.moderneathlete.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm 🎧 Follow & Subscribe for More: New episodes exploring barefoot science, nervous system health, emotional regulation, and holistic human performance.
What if bone health deserves a bigger place in the longevity conversation? In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily welcomes Rebekah Rotstein, founder of Buff Bones®, to explore bone health beyond the density score. Together, they discuss strength, balance, movement, and the importance of building confidence in your body as you age. From osteoporosis to the connection between feet and whole-body stability, this conversation explores what it means to build a resilient foundation for lifelong movement—and why caring for your bones is an investment in your future independence. Connect with Buff Bones®: Instagram: @gotbuffbones Website: www.buff-bones.com 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm
Foot pain isn't always a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it's a sign that your foot is being asked to handle more load than it currently has the capacity to manage. In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down the concept of the overloaded arch and why strengthening alone may not be the answer. Dr Emily explores how repetitive stress, footwear, movement patterns, tissue capacity, and sensory input influence the way the foot absorbs and responds to load. Learn how to recognize when an arch is overloaded, why pain can be a signal to change the way we're loading the body, and how to build greater foot resilience without simply adding more support. Because a strong foot isn't one that never experiences stress — it's one that can sense, adapt, and respond to it. 👣 Connect with Dr. Emily Splichal: Consultations: www.dremilysplichal.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dremilydpm
What really goes into bringing a movie like Stupid Shoes to life? In this episode, I sit down with Dee Libine the producer of Stupid Shoes for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the making of the film, the story that inspired it, the challenges of production, and what it takes to turn an idea into a finished movie. We talk about the creative process, memorable moments from the set, the people who helped make the film happen, and what audiences can expect from Stupid Shoes. 🎬 A candid conversation about filmmaking, storytelling, and the journey behind Stupid Shoes. What the trailer of Stupid Shoes https://youtu.be/CFCT1IqsVmc?si=-HJNExEpYcTTlrlr Learn more about Stupid Shoes movie - www.stupidshoesmovie.com