There are friendships that defy expectations—bonds between people who, on paper, shouldn't connect. Yet these unexpected relationships often teach us the most profound lessons. My friendship with Stephen Rice was exactly that kind of connection. Steve passed away on April 8, 2025, after suffering an unexpected stroke. Though we primarily knew each other from CrossFit Bison, rarely seeing each other outside the gym, we shared one extraordinary experience that exemplified who Steve truly was. This...
Jun 24, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 110
Creatine stands as the most heavily researched supplement in the fitness world, yet myths and questions about its use persist. What exactly happens when this natural compound enters your body? Who should take it? Is it truly safe? Diving deep into the science, host Sam Rhee delves deep into the topic of creatine supplementation. how it works in the body, and its benefits for different age groups including teens, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and seniors. The discussion includes the safe...
Jun 10, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 109
Cultural identity exists in the spaces between languages, generations, and countries. When Sasha joins her father for this candid conversation, they unravel what it means to grow up Korean American through their distinct generational lenses. Sasha, a third-generation Korean American with suprising Korean reading and speaking abilities, proudly embraces her heritage while acknowledging its complexities. Her father takes a different stance—having consciously distanced himself from certain Korean t...
May 20, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 108
What happens as an athlete when your own body becomes its own worst enemy? In this raw and powerful conversation, CrossFit athlete Laura "Legit" Romanek @mcskins opens up about her journey with rheumatoid arthritis, a diagnosis that threatened to redefine everything about her athletic identity. From waking up with a mysteriously swollen wrist on Open Quarterfinals day to navigating a complex web of medications, Laura shares the physical and emotional challenges of living with an unpredictable au...
May 13, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 107
Magnesium has become the one of the most popular supplements in the world, but does it deserve the hype? As both a physician with nearly three decades of experience and someone who's relied on magnesium to combat debilitating muscle cramps, host Sam Rhee looks at the science behind this popular mineral and his personal journey with the supplement. Beginning with his experience during surgical internship and years later starting magnesium supplements himself, Sam takes a deep dive into magnesium'...
May 06, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 106
S05E105 Navigating High School and the College Admissions Journey with Nicholas Rhee Ever wonder what it's really like to navigate the high-stakes world of college applications as a teenager today? In this family conversation, host Sam Rhee sits down with his 18-year-old son Nicholas to unpack the reality behind the high school experience and college admissions process. Nicholas shares his journey from elementary school math programs to becoming a Duke University-bound senior, offering a refresh...
Apr 29, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 105
College admissions - the high-stakes game that dominates the lives of high school students and their families. In this episode, my guest is my spouse Susan Rhee @susanrhee as we unpack how our two children successfully navigated their way to Duke University, despite both facing deferrals in the early decision round. Susan shares the rollercoaster of emotions we experienced as parents - from the crushing disappointment of initial deferrals to the eventual triumph of acceptance. Together, we candi...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 104
The way we've been taught to treat athletic injuries could be completely wrong. In this eye-opening conversation with certified athletic trainer Kayla Andrews @kay__wellness, we challenge the decades-old RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) that has dominated injury management since 1978. Kayla reveals why immediate, extensive icing might actually impede your body's natural healing processes and how complete rest can lead to longer recovery times and poorer outcomes. Instead, she in...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 103
Does yoga have a place in a CrossFit athlete's training regimen? In this eye-opening conversation with yoga instructor Kristen Fazio @kristenfazyoga, we explore the surprising synergy between these seemingly opposite disciplines. Kristen, who brings an athletic approach to her yoga instruction, explains why mobility matters tremendously for CrossFit performance. Most athletes struggle with depth in squats, overhead positions, and various other foundational movements—not because they lack strengt...
Apr 08, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 102
The secretive world of Wall Street recruitment has always fascinated outsiders – but few understand just how early the talent pipeline begins. Host Sam Rhee chats with his daughter, Sasha Rhee, about her journey and experiences in securing a summer internship at an investment banking firm. Sasha, a sophomore at Duke University, walks us through the intensive networking process, the technical preparation, and the strategic self-marketing needed to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates. She a...
Apr 01, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 101
What happens when you miss your competitive goals despite giving your all? In the world of CrossFit, where success is measured in seconds and pounds, missing qualification cuts can feel devastating—especially when you made it the year before. This raw, honest conversation with @crossfitbison athlete Kristen Torres @kristenan explores the emotional rollercoaster that follows disappointment in competitive fitness. We unpack the experience of watching leaderboard rankings drop from the top percenti...
Mar 25, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 100
Would you like to live 10, 15, or even 20 years longer just by taking a weekly pill? Join us as we dive into the buzzworthy world of rapamycin, a drug lauded by researchers as potentially the most powerful anti-aging treatment ever discovered. Dr. Rhee shares his personal journey of considering rapamycin, offering an in-depth look at its history, how it works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, and its promising results in extending lifespan in lab animals. Beyond just living longer, these animals s...
Mar 18, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 99
Join host Sam Rhee on this episode as he explores the surprising empathy skills of AI chatbots and what we can learn from them to become better listeners. Drawing from Jamil Zaki's insights, we discuss how chatbots like ChatGPT often outperform humans in making people feel heard and understood. He explains how chatbots avoid common human mistakes by focusing on the other person, validating their feelings, and asking follow-up questions, rather than jumping to solutions or sharing personal anecdo...
Mar 11, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 98
With six current company gyms, how can Station Athletics @stationathletics reach their goal of 120 gyms in 10 years? Chris Hardenberg @c_hard_fit, the Head of Operations for Station Athletics shares his journey from being a high school wrestling coach and teacher to becoming a central figure in one of the largest CrossFit gym chains in the country. We delve into Station Athletics' unique expansion strategy, managing multiple gym locations, and the vital importance of quick lead response for memb...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 5Ep. 97
In this fun episode of Botox and Burpees, host Dr. Sam Rhee is joined by his daughter Sasha Rhee for an in-depth discussion on skincare. They unravel the myriad of products Sasha orders from Amazon, showcasing Sasha's diverse skincare routine, influenced heavily by Korean beauty trends and TikTok recommendations. Sasha reviews some of her favorite products, and highlights the importance of a multi-step skincare regimen, the role of different products like toners, moisturizers, and cleansers, and...
Feb 25, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 96
Special guest Senior Writer for Morning Chalk Up and CrossFit Trainer at CrossFit Union Square @crossfitunionsquare in NYC, Teaganne Finn @tfinn94 shares her journey from journalism to CrossFit coaching, illuminating the power of community in personal transformation and the evolving dynamics within CrossFit HQ. The conversation delves into the state of CrossFit as a company, the challenges affiliates face, and the evolving fitness landscape. Join us as we navigate the dual landscapes of CrossFit...
Feb 18, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 95
Join us as we welcome Jessica Wende @jwbfitness3, a remarkable fitness and nutrition coach who’s a shining example of resilience and passion. From conquering childhood health challenges to achieving All-American status in the 100 meters and earning an esteemed Hall of Fame nomination, Jessica’s story is a testament to dedication and perseverance. Her journey is filled with insights from two decades of educating students in New York City, culminating in her precision nutrition certification that ...
Feb 11, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 94
What motivates someone to leave a thriving career and jump into the unknown world of entrepreneurship? After surviving multiple challenges, how do you grow LIFEAID into a company worth over $100 million? Aaron Hinde shares his transformative journey from chiropractor to co-founder of LifeAid, emphasizing resilience through personal loss and unwavering commitment to quality health beverages. What makes LIFEAID different from the other companies in the cutthroat energy drink business? Aaron shares...
Feb 04, 2025•58 min•Season 5Ep. 93
Our conversation with Sasha Rhee, Dr. Rhee's daughter, we examine the decline of CrossFit among young adults, delving into perceptions and challenges that deter participation. Sasha shares her extensive journey in CrossFit, starting from age nine and continuing through her college years at Duke University. Through her insights, we address the role of social media, the intimidating aspects of CrossFit, and the popularity of alternative fitness options. • Exploring Sasha's journey with CrossFit fr...
Jan 28, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 92
Ron Ananian @ronananian, famously known as the "Car Doctor," takes us on an exhilarating journey from being an auto mechanic to becoming a celebrated radio host with over five decades of experience. The episode is pulsating with Ron's passion for all things automotive and fitness, as he shares captivating stories from his nationally syndicated show that has almost a million downloads. We also delve into Ron's dedication to CrossFit and the life lessons he has learned about humility, perseverance...
Jan 21, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 91
Unlock the secrets to transforming your relationship with food in our conversation with inspirational nutrition coach Kelly Cavin @kellycavinnutrition. Kelly shares her personal journey from restrictive dieting to using nutrition as a powerful tool for performance enhancement. With host Sam Rhee @botoxandburpees, we discuss how understanding your body's maintenance number can revolutionize your approach to refueling and achieving your body composition goals. We also unpack the critical role of a...
Jan 14, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 90
CrossFit has been a transformative journey for many, including our newest co-owners at CrossFit Bison, Adam Hawkinson and Michael Dasilva. Sam Rhee @botoxandburpeespodcast talks to them to find out who are they, and what are their future plans for the gym? Strong community connections are integral to the ownership journey at CrossFit Bison, where they reflect on their paths and collective vision for the gym. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaged environment drives future growth ...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 89
Discover the journey of Dr. Annunziato "Ned" Amendola, leading figure in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, as he shares his experiences and insights with host Sam Rhee @bergencosmetic on the Botox and Burpees podcast @botoxandburpeespodcast. From his vital roles at Duke University to his upcoming presidency at the American Association of Orthopedic Surgery @aaos_1, Dr. Ned Amendola offers a unique and insightful perspective on the balance of high-pressure responsibilities with a relaxed ap...
Dec 31, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 88
In this episode of Botox and Burpees, the surgical edition, we feature Dr. David Lawrence Brown, a seasoned plastic surgeon who recently transitioned from an academic career at the University of Michigan to private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Drawing on over 26 years of experience in academia, Dr. Brown shares his journey of personal and professional growth, including the challenges of shifting from faculty to private practice. Dr. Brown takes us through his extraordinary journey, sharing t...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 87
What if the future of plastic surgery could be revolutionized by artificial intelligence and robotic suturing? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Edward Lee, the division chief of plastic surgery at Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, to explore this exciting possibility. Dr. Lee shares his journey from private practice to academia, detailing his innovative work in microsurgery and targeted muscle re-innervation for amputee patients. Learn about his pioneering efforts in developing cutting-edge cli...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 86
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Jesse Allert, a brilliant orthopedic surgeon who has mastered the art of balance between his professional and personal life. From his perfect SAT score to his tragically short collegiate basketball career, and rigorous training at The College of New Jersey, New York Medical College, and the Florida Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Allert's journey is a compelling story of dedication. He opens up about his reasons for choosing orthopaedics, how he maintain...
Sep 13, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 85
In this episode of 'Botox and Burpees: The Surgical Series,' we sit down with Dr. Phil Stieg @drphilstieg, esteemed Neurosurgeon in Chief at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. Dr. Stieg shares insights into his extensive background, his leadership style, and his philosophies on patient care and surgery. The conversation covers a range of topics, including Dr. Stieg's unique approach to maintaining a world-class neurosurgical team, his methods for dealing with surgical stress, and his thou...
Sep 06, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 84
Ever wondered what it takes to be the Head Orthopaedic Surgeon for the CrossFit Games? Join us as Dr. Sean Rockett @321gomd, who has been the lead surgeon for the CrossFit Games since 2012, shares his journey from practicing CrossFit in 2007 to treating elite athletes on the biggest stage. We'll hear firsthand about gut-wrenching experience treating Brooke Wells' severe elbow dislocation during the 2021 Games. Dr. Rockett also dives into the unique challenges of gaining the trust of top-level at...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 83
Is mentorship the secret ingredient to surgical excellence? Join us as we explore this and much more in our conversation with Dr. Richard Winters, chairman of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Renowned for his indefatigable work in microsurgery and significant leadership roles, Dr. Winters offers a unique perspective on the dynamic interplay between surgical proficiency and administrative acumen. He shares his journey from extensive tra...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 82
Revisit the demanding yet rewarding world of surgical training with us as host Dr. Sam Rhee @botoxandburpeepodcast sits down with Dr. Joseph DeRose, Professor and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center. We share memories from our surgical residency days at Columbia University Medical Center, reflecting on the camaraderie, jokes, and resilience that shaped our careers. Dr. DeRose's journey from those formative years to his current leadership role und...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 81
