Better: Outside the Box Healthcare with Dr. Matt Kettman | Wellness, Longevity, Metabolism, Unconventional Family Doctor

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Are you ready to take charge of your health and explore what’s possible beyond the limits of traditional healthcare? Do you ever wonder if there’s a better way to feel great, live longer, and connect with a doctor who actually “gets it”? Dr. Rock’s Family Practice with Dr. Matt Kettman is the weekly podcast that delivers actionable health advice with a dose of humor, real talk, and out-of-the-box thinking. Hosted by Dr. Matt Kettman—a relatable family practitioner, rock musician, and self-proclaimed dad-joke connoisseur—this podcast dives into topics like alternative medicine, longevity, weight loss, sexual wellness, mental health, and the everyday challenges of modern healthcare. Whether you’re frustrated by a lack of answers from the healthcare system, curious about innovative approaches to health, or simply looking for relatable advice from a doctor who’s walked the unconventional path, this podcast is here to empower you. As a family doctor with years of experience challenging the status quo, Dr. Kettman knows what it’s like to feel disillusioned by cookie-cutter medicine. His journey from a small-town kid to a trusted medical professional has taught him that the best care happens when we think outside the box and focus on what truly works for real people. Through his unique blend of professional expertise, personal anecdotes, and candid humor, Dr. Kettman breaks down complex medical concepts into everyday language, empowering you to make informed decisions and transform your health. If you’re looking for fresh, relatable, and inspiring health content, Dr. Rock’s Family Practice is the podcast for you. Tune in each week as we explore groundbreaking ideas, share laughs, and deliver the tools you need to live your healthiest, happiest life. DISCLAIMER:  The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor patient relationship with me or any guest on the show. Always seek the advice of your own physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Use this information at your own risk.

  1. 3D AGO

    Concussion Recovery: What Physical Therapists Actually Do | Ep. 57

    Dr. Rock talks with Stefanie Swinton, PT, DPT from Cedar Valley Physical Therapy about concussions, recovery protocols, and why the old "sleep it off in a dark room" playbook is dead. Stefanie is a 13-year veteran in physical therapy, Northeast Iowa native, UNI graduate, and doctorate holder from Des Moines University who specializes in concussion recovery, vestibular rehab, and orthopedic PT. Whether you're an athlete or just bonked your head, this episode breaks down what's actually happening in your brain and how to get back in the game Concussions 101 Mini traumatic brain injuries (no knockout required) Symptoms can hit days later, not just immediately Most resolve in 1-2 weeks; some stick around (post-concussion syndrome) Repeated concussions compound each other Modern Recovery vs. The Old Way Out: Dark room isolation and doing nothing In: Strategic rehab balancing rest with smart movement Return-to-play protocols and SCAT testing now exist Goal: Get you functional faster AND better than before How PT Actually Treats Concussions Multi-system evaluation covering: neck, strength, balance, vision, inner ear, vestibular system Partners with neuro-vision exams Layers recovery progressively (vestibular → balance → vision → functional tasks) The Treatment Arsenal Dry Needling: Trigger point assassination with tiny needles (looks scary, feels great) Blood Flow Restriction (BFR): Build muscle on lighter loads with less soreness Micro Vibration Plates: Boost circulation, increase bone density, accelerate healing Heat, ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction BPPV & Loose Crystals Real thing. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo = vertigo city Canali repositioning maneuvers move crystals back in place Results can be instant (people walk out better in one session) Beyond Concussions: PT Treats Osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, back pain, athletic injuries, post-op recovery, posture issues Posture & Injury Prevention Good posture = shoulders back, chin tucked, spine tall Key moves: Chin tucks, scapular stabilization, back strengthening Lift smart: Squat instead of bending, keep weight close to body Core is your foundation The bottom line is modern concussion recovery works. No more dark rooms. Strategic rehab gets you back faster and stronger. Rock on. Connect with Dr. Rock: Linktree Supplements

    31 min

  2. FEB 25

    What Are the Best Treatments for Osteoarthritis? Supplements, Injections, PRP & Surgery Explained | Ep. 56

    What's up, rockers! Dr. Rock here breaking down osteoarthritis and ALL your treatment options. Here's the deal: "Bone on bone" arthritis doesn't mean you need surgery tomorrow. You've got WAY more options than limping around on ibuprofen. The breakdown is simple—arthritis is cartilage worn down, so bone rubs on bone causing pain, stiffness, and cracking. Most common in knees, hips, and hands. MYTH BUSTER: Exercise does NOT wear out joints. The RIGHT exercise PROTECTS joints. Motion is lotion. Treatment Options (Least to Most Invasive): Supplements: Turmeric (best evidence), Omega-3, Glucosamine/Chondroitin (popular but weak studies—people swear by it), MSM. Dr. Rock's Synergy Joint combines the best ones. OTC Meds: Tylenol (safe, works as prevention). NSAIDs like Ibuprofen (strong but watch kidneys/ulcers). Prescriptions: Meloxicam, Celebrex, Cymbalta (yes, an antidepressant—FDA approved for arthritis). Injections: Cortisone (short-term relief), Hyaluronic Acid (adds space/lube to joint, usually insurance covered). Regenerative Medicine: PRP (your blood's growth factors—what Kobe got), Stem Cells (from bone marrow/fat). Not covered but can delay surgery for years. Surgery: Joint replacement. Last resort but very successful. Dr. Rock's Truth: Start conservative with exercise, weight loss, and supplements. Add meds and injections as needed. Try PRP or stem cells if you want to avoid surgery. You've got OPTIONS. Rock on, Dr. Rock Connect with Dr. Rock: Linktree Supplements

    19 min

  3. FEB 18

    Can Someone Who Did the Unthinkable Really Change? Tommy Tucker's Story of Radical Redemption | Ep. 55

    What's up, rockers! Dr. Rock here with a powerful story of redemption. Tommy Tucker spent years addicted to meth. In 2020, he helped bury a car with two bodies in it in Evansdale, Iowa—David and Elissa. For 30 days, he carried that secret until the weight of it crushed him. Today? Tommy Tucker is a weeping spirit. A man who prays with strangers at Hardee's. A business owner. A ministry leader. He went from "hard case" to "holy hugger." The 5 Lessons from Tommy's Story: 1. The Fragility of Sanctuary Tommy's descent started when trust was weaponized at age 15. An older mentor offered him a "safe place", until he demanded Tommy sleep in his bed. When sanctuary becomes betrayal, survivors look for armor. Tommy found it in meth at 16. 2. The "Bus Stop" God Throughout Tommy's incarcerations, God positioned people at exactly the right time. A prison buddy turned worship leader. A guard who brought him a nice shirt for his dad's funeral. Redemption is rarely solo, it's strategically placed relationships. 3. The Year of Spiritual Siege (2019) Near-death experiences stacked up: natural gas poisoning left him with a stutter and violent tremors, a tree nearly crushed him, an AC line exploded in his face. Tommy reframed it: not bad luck; but spiritual warfare. The intensity of the struggle signaled the importance of his calling. 4. The Prayer Dilemma While Tommy served time, his son Mitchell was in Arizona jail facing serious charges. An MRI revealed a massive frontal lobe tumor. The difficult choice: if the tumor stayed, Mitchell had a legal defense. If it healed, he would face trial with a clear mind. Tommy and his community prayed for healing. Ten months later, the tumor was gone. The doctor was bewildered: "You had a tumor. It was huge. Now everything's normal." A genuine miracle. 5. From "Scary Big" to "Holy Hugger" For decades, Tommy was a bully. Today, God told him "There" audibly at Hardee's, prompting him to pray for a stranger with stage IV cancer. He went from burying bodies to praying with strangers. Tommy's Truth: He still carries the weight of what happened to David and Elissa. He pleads with their families to "forgive me for yourself." He doesn't offer excuses. He runs Tucker Home Improvement LLC and leads Rise Up ministry. The Question: If a man who once helped bury bodies can walk in the light—what are we still trying to hide in the dirt? Rock on, Dr. Rock Connect with Dr. Rock: Linktree Supplements

    59 min

  4. FEB 11

    What's the Difference Between Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes? (And Can You Reverse It?) | Ep.54

    What's up, rockers! Dr. Rock here breaking down diabetes, pre-diabetes, and insulin resistance in a way that actually makes sense. Here's the deal: 98 MILLION Americans have pre-diabetes. 80% don't even know it. But here's the GOOD news—pre-diabetes is NOT a disease. It's a WARNING SIGN. And you have WAY more control than you think. The Simple Breakdown: Think of insulin as a KEY. Food turns into sugar in your blood. Insulin unlocks the door so sugar goes from bloodstream into your cells for energy. Type 1: No insulin. Usually starts young. Need insulin shots. Type 2: TOO MUCH insulin but it's not enough anymore. Cells become RESISTANT. Pre-Diabetes: Sugar elevated but not diabetic YET. Your chance to STOP it. The Numbers: Fasting Blood Sugar: Normal: Under 100 Pre-diabetes: 100-126 Diabetes: 127+ A1C (3-month average): Normal: Below 5.7% Pre-diabetes: 5.7-6.4% Diabetes: 6.5%+ What Actually Works: Lose 5% body weight = CUTS DIABETES RISK IN HALF Move after meals Eat more protein Cut liquid sugar (soda, sweet tea, juice) Sleep better + manage stress Medicine Options: Metformin: Cheap, effective, safe. Helps insulin work better. GLP-1s (Ozempic, Mounjaro): Expensive but game-changers. Medicine is NOT a failure. It's a TOOL. Dr. Rock's Truth: Pre-diabetes and early Type 2 are conditions where YOU have control. Small steps work. Don't panic. Don't ignore. GET INFORMED. Your future health isn't decided by today's lab—it's shaped by what you do NEXT. Rock on, Dr. Rock Connect with Dr. Rock: Linktree Supplements

    19 min

  5. FEB 4

    Can Keto Really Save Your Life? Superman's Story of Strokes, Health, and Hope | Ep. 53

    What's up, rockers! Dr. Rock here with a REAL SUPERHERO story for you. Today I'm sitting down with Chad "Superman" Mommer a 6'4" bodybuilder who literally dresses up as Superman to bring hope to sick kids at the Children's Hospital. But this isn't just about muscles and capes, folks. This is about a guy who had a STROKE at 36 years old while making breakfast for his daughter, and how he turned his health around completely. Here's what we're covering: Chad's stroke at 36 (caused by a hole in his heart that never closed) How he went from dizzy on the stairs to 5% body fat Why he switched to keto 5 years ago and NEVER looked back The real Superman costume origin story (spoiler: he started as Thor!) Visiting sick kids at the hospital and the emotional toll of being hope Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and why men are in crisis His daily routine: 4am wake-up, cold showers, and 20 grams of creatine (!!) Why he thinks "they're systematically trying to kill our testosterone" The stroke story: Chad's grabbing the sink making breakfast, trying to stay conscious. He looks at a painting on the wall—sees the left side, sees the middle pot, but the right side is GONE. Hole in his vision. Turns out he had a PFO (hole in his heart from birth) that caused a clot to his brain. Short-term memory affected to this day. But he RECOVERED—partly because he was already fit and eating right. The keto game-changer: Meat, cheese, vegetables. That's it. Dropped to 15% body fat (5% for competition) No more heart pausing at night or getting dizzy on stairs Mental clarity, focus, drive all improved Superman's charity work: Dresses as Superman (and sometimes Thor before that) to visit kids at Children's Hospital. Brings HOPE—that's what the "S" stands for. Parents get relief watching their kids smile. Chad's cried in his truck after some visits. But he keeps going because one lady from church said: "That's the devil trying to take you out. You're doing good." On testosterone: Chad's on doctor-prescribed TRT since age 45. Feels great. Mental clarity, better workouts, helps marriage (wink wink). We talked about how men have lost 1% testosterone per YEAR for 40 years—we're at HALF what our dads had. FDA finally coming around to the crisis. Chad's message to YOU: Just get up and MOVE. Don't need to be in the gym 6 days a week. Walk with your wife. Play with your kids. 2-3 times a week for 45 minutes is MORE than 90% of people. Start where you're at. Movement is addictive in a GOOD way. If this episode fires you up, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let's get people MOVING and HEALTHY in 2026! Rock on, Dr. Rock Connect with Dr. Rock: Linktree Supplements

    36 min

  6. JAN 28

    Understanding Hospice: When to Call, What to Expect, and How It Helps Families| Ep. 52

    What is hospice care really about? When should families consider hospice? Does going on hospice mean giving up? In this deeply moving episode of Better Outside the Box Healthcare, Dr. Matthew Kettman sits down with Sara Davis, a 20-year veteran hospice nurse from Cedar Valley Hospice in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to answer these questions and dispel common myths about end-of-life care. Sarah shares her journey from working at Allen Hospital and Covenant (now MercyOne Waterloo) to becoming an on-call hospice nurse covering all of Black Hawk County for nine and a half years. Now a staff educator and trainer, she provides an inside look at what hospice really offers Iowa families—and it's far more than most people realize. What You'll Learn: What hospice care actually is and who qualifies (it's not just cancer patients) Why the #1 comment on hospice surveys is "I wish we'd called sooner" Common conditions that qualify: dementia, Alzheimer's, heart failure, COPD, kidney failure, stroke, and more The truth about the 6-month benefit and why you won't get "kicked off" Myths debunked: hospice isn't about "putting people down" with morphine Services covered at no cost through Medicare and most insurances How hospice keeps people out of hospitals and emergency rooms Aftercare and grief support available FREE to anyone in the Cedar Valley community Connect with Dr. Rock Linktree Supplements Cedar Valley Hospice: Phone: (319) 272-2002 Website: cedarvalleyhospice.org

    39 min

  7. JAN 21

    Do I Really Need Antibiotics? When to Take Them and When to Wait | Ep. 51

    Are you wondering when your child's ear infection really needs antibiotics? Confused about why your doctor won't prescribe medication for your sinus infection? Dr. Matthew Kettman (Dr. Rock), a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, provides essential answers in this comprehensive episode about antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use. In this episode of Better Outside the Box Healthcare, Dr. Rock breaks down the science of antibiotic resistance in plain language. Learn why bacteria evolve while antibiotics don't, how misuse creates "superbugs" like C. difficile (C. diff), and why every unnecessary prescription affects not just you but your entire community—from Cedar Valley families to schools, nursing homes, and hospitals across Iowa and the United States. What You'll Learn: The difference between bacterial infections and viral infections (and why it matters) Why antibiotics don't work for colds, flu, or most coughs How to tell when a sinus infection, ear infection, or sore throat needs medical treatment The hidden role of agricultural antibiotic use in driving resistance (especially relevant in Iowa's farming communities) Why "stronger" antibiotics aren't always better How antibiotic overuse damages your gut microbiome and immune system Practical guidelines for common conditions: respiratory infections, UTIs, skin infections, and more Discover why antibiotic stewardship isn't about denying care—it's about preserving these life-saving medications for when they're truly needed. Protect your family's health and the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. Connect with Dr. Rock Linktree Supplements

    18 min

  8. JAN 14

    Living Wills & Power of Attorney: What Happens When You Can't Speak for Yourself | Ep. 50

    Dr. Rock breaks down living wills and power of attorney, what they actually do, why families fight when they're missing, and how to protect yourself from becoming the next Terri Schiavo case. This isn't theoretical legal talk; it's real stories from years of watching families argue over unconscious loved ones because nobody knew what dad actually wanted. Learn the difference between a living will (instructions on paper) and power of attorney (the person who speaks for you), and why a simple DNR order isn't enough. Most people fear being kept alive as a vegetable more than dying too soon, but vague statements like "I don't want to live like a vegetable" won't help doctors make split-second decisions. Dr. Rock explains why your 98-year-old DNR patient's family can override the paperwork, what happens when pneumonia requires temporary ventilation, and why picking the RIGHT person as medical power of attorney matters more than the document itself. You need someone who can handle stress, say no to pushy relatives, and stay calm when emotions run high—not just whoever loves you most. Whether you're 18 or 80, write it down, tell your family, and talk to your doctor. A document in a drawer nobody knows about is useless. Dr. Rock walks you through minimum steps (write + tell family), better steps (doctor consultation + medical forms), and best steps (lawyer for bulletproof protection). Blended families, estranged relatives, and unclear wishes create legal nightmares, so don't let the loudest family member or state law decide your fate. Connect with Dr. Rock Linktree Supplements

    22 min
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Are you ready to take charge of your health and explore what’s possible beyond the limits of traditional healthcare? Do you ever wonder if there’s a better way to feel great, live longer, and connect with a doctor who actually “gets it”? Dr. Rock’s Family Practice with Dr. Matt Kettman is the weekly podcast that delivers actionable health advice with a dose of humor, real talk, and out-of-the-box thinking. Hosted by Dr. Matt Kettman—a relatable family practitioner, rock musician, and self-proclaimed dad-joke connoisseur—this podcast dives into topics like alternative medicine, longevity, weight loss, sexual wellness, mental health, and the everyday challenges of modern healthcare. Whether you’re frustrated by a lack of answers from the healthcare system, curious about innovative approaches to health, or simply looking for relatable advice from a doctor who’s walked the unconventional path, this podcast is here to empower you. As a family doctor with years of experience challenging the status quo, Dr. Kettman knows what it’s like to feel disillusioned by cookie-cutter medicine. His journey from a small-town kid to a trusted medical professional has taught him that the best care happens when we think outside the box and focus on what truly works for real people. Through his unique blend of professional expertise, personal anecdotes, and candid humor, Dr. Kettman breaks down complex medical concepts into everyday language, empowering you to make informed decisions and transform your health. If you’re looking for fresh, relatable, and inspiring health content, Dr. Rock’s Family Practice is the podcast for you. Tune in each week as we explore groundbreaking ideas, share laughs, and deliver the tools you need to live your healthiest, happiest life. DISCLAIMER:  The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor patient relationship with me or any guest on the show. Always seek the advice of your own physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. Use this information at your own risk.

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