Coffee with...Dr. Laura Cayce

Chiropractic Physician & Founder of Pillar Health Company, Dr. Laura Cayce

"Coffee With..." is a blog brought to you by The Forge. Every month, we sit down for a coffee chat with industry professionals who are doing cool things in the world of film. Whether they're behind the camera or in front of it, these individuals bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and inspiring stories from the heart of the entertainment industry. 

Today, we sit down for coffee with the wonderful Dr. Laura Cayce.

What is your morning drink of choice? Matcha? Tea in your favorite mug? Iced Coffee? Smoothie with kale? Do tell!

I like to keep it healthy and simple with 1-2 cups of black coffee. Whether its iced or hot depends on the season :)

Talk to us about the Pillar Health Co X The Forge run club. Why is this something you recommend folks in the film industry take part of?

Some of the biggest predictors of longevity are eating healthy, getting active, and sharing community. Bringing people together around a common goal can be a very powerful thing and running or walking is a very low barrier to entry activity. All you need is a pair of good shoes, and a sidewalk or street. No high cost memberships, no overly expensive equipment to purchase, plus a tiny bit of accountability and support from a group. The Forge Run Club developed with all that in mind. Plus when you pair exercise, getting outside and community the benefits to mental health and stress reduction sounds like a win to me!

What is the Filmmakers Health Cohort? What inspired you to help cast/crew members in the film industry improve their health?

Summer of 2019 was the first time I stepped onto a film set. I was completely enthralled — the energy, the creativity, the sheer effort it takes to bring a project to life. Watching the crew work together reminded me immediately of the sports teams I was used to working with: everyone has a role, every detail matters, and success depends on the group moving in sync. Curious, I asked a simple question: “How do you take care of yourself during and after a shoot?” The answer? “We usually grab a beer and then go home and crash.” I understood it, long days, high stress, tight deadlines, but I also knew there had to be a better way. I started learning more about the industry and its challenges, and one barrier kept coming up: access. The cost of healthcare, combined with inconsistent insurance coverage, makes it hard for cast and crew members to prioritize their own health. I also knew outside of the professional athletes and wealthy individuals that Ive treated in the past, that access to high quality, high touch healthcare was out of reach for most. I knew from my own journey with health and wellness that you will not function at your best ability, creatively or physically, if your body is not optimally performing. The goal with this program is to provide a supportive frame work for folks to be able to learn how to connect with what their body is telling them via symptoms of pain, energy, cognition, Gastrointestinal discomfort, skin, etc. Lots of folks accept a quality of life that keeps them far their attaining their goals. I wanted that to change so I created a program that is affordable, accessible and informed around the demands of working professionals in film, television, and theater.

Want to learn more about the Filmmakers Health Cohort? You can check in out above.

What is your social media? Where can people follow along on your journey?

@pillar_health_company

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Do you have a burning question or a topic you'd love us to cover in an upcoming interview? Leave a comment below, and we’ll take your ideas into consideration for the next Coffee With... chat. Who knows? You might just get to ask the question next!