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

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
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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
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Cedar Valley Hospice:
Phone: (319) 272-2002
Website: cedarvalleyhospice.org

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.
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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.
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Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs, How to Help Someone in Crisis & Resources That Save Lives with Troy Belmar | Ep. 49

Troy Belmar, co-founder of Alive and Running, joins Dr. Rock to talk about suicide prevention in a way that's real, practical, and potentially life-saving. After losing a close friend to suicide in high school and watching his co-founder struggle for years, Troy dedicated his life to breaking the stigma around mental health and teaching people how to intervene when someone's in crisis. He breaks down the warning signs most people miss, how to ask the hard questions without sugarcoating, and why the new 988 crisis line is saving lives daily in ways the old hotline never could.
Here's what you need to know: giving away prized possessions (especially pets), social media posts with dark lyrics or throwback videos, talking about being a burden, financial stress, and isolation are all red flags. Troy explains QPR training—the mental health version of CPR—and why asking "Are you thinking about ending your life?" directly is better than dancing around it. He also reveals why just asking "How are you doing?" doesn't cut it anymore, but asking "Are you happy?" gets to the root fast. From the 988 text/call line that quadrupled usage to Cedar Valley resources and how exercise impacts mental health, this episode gives you tools to recognize crisis and take action.
Whether you're worried about a friend, family member, coworker, or yourself, this conversation could save a life. Troy shares how John Deere layoffs impacted local suicide rates, why telehealth reduced the stigma of getting help, and how Alive and Running has donated over $100,000 to improve mental health facilities in the Cedar Valley. No sugarcoating, no medical jargon—just honest talk about mental health crisis intervention, community support, and why normalizing these conversations is the only way forward.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. There are resources available and you don't have to go through this alone. 
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S. and Canada
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678
 
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Prostate Cancer Screening: Should Men Get PSA Tests? Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment Explained | Ep. 48

Should men get PSA tests or not? Dr. Rock dives into one of the most confusing debates in men's health—prostate cancer screening. The medical establishment has flip-flopped so many times in the last decade that nobody knows what to do anymore. "Always screen" became "never screen" and now it's somewhere in between. Dr. Rock cuts through the noise and explains why most prostate cancers are actually slow-growing time bombs that might never go off, why the guidelines changed, and who really benefits from early detection versus who just ends up with unnecessary treatment and regret.
Here's what most guys don't know: your PSA number going up doesn't mean you have cancer. Riding a bike, having sex, even a prostate infection can spike it. But age, family history, and race change everything about your risk. Dr. Rock breaks down what those numbers actually mean, how the Gleason score tells you if your cancer is a turtle or a cheetah, and why newer tech like MRIs and "active surveillance" means we're not just yanking out every prostate anymore. He also gets real about the downsides nobody wants to talk about—incontinence and erectile dysfunction from surgeries that might not have even been necessary.
If you're wrestling with whether to get your first PSA test, staring at an elevated number, or wondering if your testosterone therapy is a problem, this episode is for you. Dr. Rock shares how his own approach has changed over the years, why he's going back to screening guys over 45-50 who are at risk, and the honest conversation you need to have with your doctor. No fear-mongering, no medical jargon—just straight talk about a decision that could save your life or cause unnecessary problems.
Connect with Dr. Rock
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Vertigo Fixed in One Session? How Physical Therapy Treats BPPV, TMJ Pain & Balance Problems with Dan McGrane, DPT | Ep. 47

Dr. Matthew Kettman sits down with Dan McGrane, DPT from Summit Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, to reveal how physical therapy can fix problems most people don't realize are treatable—including vertigo, TMJ pain, and chronic balance issues. Dan specializes in vestibular rehab and explains why 85% of vertigo cases (BPPV) can be fixed in just 1-2 sessions by physically repositioning crystals in your ear, but why attempting the Epley maneuver at home can actually make things worse.
Discover how physical therapy treats TMJ without surgery, why it's more common in women, and the surprising connection between jaw pain, neck tension, and headaches. Dan also breaks down when to use ice vs heat for injuries, how physical therapy helps arthritis without medication, and why strengthening muscles around worn-out joints can eliminate pain better than relying on the joint itself.
Whether you're dealing with chronic dizziness, jaw clenching, knee arthritis, or balance problems that put you at risk for falls, this episode provides real solutions. Learn what conditions physical therapy can actually treat (hint: way more than you think), how to find a good therapist, and why the "no pain, no gain" approach is outdated and harmful.
Guest Information
Guest: Dan McGrane, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)Practice: Summit Chiropractic and Physical Therapy (Waterloo & Jesup locations)Specializations: Vestibular rehab (vertigo/dizziness), TMJ dysfunction, shoulder injuries, occupational medicineEducation: St. Ambrose University (Biology, Physical Therapy)Contact: 319-232-2100
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Should I Quit Drinking? What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain, and Weight Loss | Ep. 46

Dr. Matthew Kettman (Dr. Rock) breaks down the real medical impact of alcohol on your body—no judgment, just facts. Whether you're considering Dry January, or just want to understand why you feel terrible after weekend drinking, this episode covers everything from sleep quality and hormone disruption to weight loss sabotage and anxiety spikes.
Learn why even moderate drinking tanks your testosterone, destroys REM sleep, raises cortisol, and keeps you from burning fat. Dr. Rock shares the hidden costs most people never connect to alcohol—like Monday morning anxiety, workout recovery issues, and why drinking hits so much harder after 40. 
Whether you want to drink smarter with practical harm-reduction strategies or quit entirely, this episode gives you the medical knowledge to make informed decisions about your relationship with alcohol. Perfect timing for New Year's resolutions and post-holiday health resets.
Connect with Dr. Rock
Listen to 'Dead and Gone': https://purgatoryline.bandcamp.com/track/dead-and-gone 
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Resilience & Redemption: From Iowa Streets to MMA Success | Ep. 45

Join Dr. Rock as he sits down with MMA kickboxing expert, Christian, father, and Iowa native Josh Bumgarner. In this powerful episode, Josh shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Vinton and Waterloo, Iowa, through personal loss, addiction, and time in prison, to finding discipline, faith, and success in martial arts. Discover how fighting, mentorship, and faith transformed Josh’s life, and how he now gives back by coaching youth and building confidence in the next generation.
Key Topics:
Growing up in Vinton and Waterloo, Iowa
Overcoming adversity: loss, addiction, and incarceration
The role of martial arts in building discipline and confidence
Mentorship from Russell O’Connell and the impact of community
Faith, family, and finding peace through Christianity
Coaching, parenting, and instilling confidence in kids
Life lessons on resilience, positivity, and moving forward
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Listen to 'Dead and Gone': https://purgatoryline.bandcamp.com/track/dead-and-gone 
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Lung Cancer: What I Wish Every Patient Knew—From My Family to Yours | Ep.44

Welcome to another episode of Outside the Box Healthcare with Dr. Rock. Today, I’m opening up about a topic that’s deeply personal to me—lung cancer. Not only did I lose my dad to this disease, but I’ve also cared for countless patients who have battled it, survived it, or are still fighting.
In this episode, I break down the different types of lung cancer, the real risk factors (it’s not just about smoking!), and the early warning signs you should never ignore. I’ll share the latest on life-saving screening tools like low-dose CAT scans, and why outdated thinking about treatment options could be putting you or your loved ones at risk.
I also talk about the incredible advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are changing the game, turning what used to be a death sentence into a treatable—and sometimes even curable—condition. If you’re over 50, have a history of smoking, or just want to be proactive about your health, this episode is for you.
Connect with Dr. Rock
Listen to 'Dead and Gone': https://purgatoryline.bandcamp.com/track/dead-and-gone 
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