In January, The Strong New York Podcast hit the road at the LA Fit Expo, where Kenny connected with Dr. Emily Splichal — functional podiatrist, human movement specialist, and founder of Naboso, a company creating sensory-based tools designed to stimulate the nerves in the feet and enhance movement and performance. Together, they unpack why foot health is foundational to strength, stability, and long-term resilience.
Dr. Splichal breaks down the shift from minimal to maximal footwear, addresses lingering misconceptions from the barefoot running era, and explains why shoe selection should be categorical based on the specific activity. She challenges the obsession with hitting 10,000 steps, advocating instead for higher-quality walking and the integration of quick, reactive movements to support fall prevention and longevity. The conversation also explores the body’s interconnected “stacking domes” — detailing how the feet link to the pelvic floor, diaphragm, and even the tongue through fascia — and dives into pelvic floor contraction versus relaxation in pregnancy and Pilates, as well as why women benefit from lifting heavier than they often think.
The episode closes with a live foot assessment and practical takeaways, including toe spacers and simple daily recovery strategies you can start immediately. If your goal is to move better, build real strength, and create a body that lasts, this conversation truly starts from the ground up.
00:00 Live at LA Fit Expo
00:40 Meet Dr Emily and No Boso
01:25 The Science of Texture
02:39 Minimal vs Maximal Shoes
05:45 Running Boom and Hybrid Shoes
06:45 Choosing the Right Footwear
09:03 Barefoot Training for Pain
11:38 Better Steps Not More
12:37 Quick Movement for Longevity
14:18 Foot to Pelvic Floor Connection
16:03 Pregnancy and Pelvic Floor Timing
17:35 Pilates Balance and Heavy Lifting
20:26 Training Routine Breakdown
21:25 Purposeful Movement Mindset
22:08 Balance Training Debates
22:49 Foot Recovery and Toe Control
24:17 Barefoot Training Benefits
25:04 Where to Find Dr Emily
25:31 Live Foot Assessment
28:48 Neutral Foot and Rigid Lever
30:20 Feet Pelvic Floor and Glutes
31:50 Foot Posture Exercises
32:41 Final Wrap and Links
What is The Strong New York Podcast?
Being STRONG is more than just how much weight you can lift.
The Strong New York Podcast is dedicated to inspiring you to become your strongest self- in the gym, in business, in relationships and in life.
Join Kenny as he sits down with his strong as fuck buddies and shoots the shit on what it takes to be strong willed, strong minded and physically strong. Season one features everyone from entrepreneurs and local business owners to doctors and industry leaders in the fitness and wellness space.
With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself known as one of New York City’s top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. After transforming his life at 15 years old through fitness, Kenny made it his mission to transform the lives of those around him.
Kenny has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean, and has been tapped as a fitness expert sharing his training approach with Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runner's World, SHAPE, Well+Good, among other publications.
Kenny is the creator of STRONG New York, NYC's only Health and Fitness Expo. Strong New York is an immersive day of workouts, wellness experiences, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations with the best in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers who are sharing their expertise on today's hottest wellness trends and first-hand experiences on how to optimize your overall health and life.
You can find Kenny at The Strength Club, his private training and group strength training facility in the heart of Manhattan located on 28th and 5th Ave in New York City.