Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: The Luke Broderick Origin Story
Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Tom Schwartz
Guests: Dr. Kara Mormarco Kendrick, Luke Broderick
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Episode Overview

This episode of Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz is split into two vibrant halves, seamlessly blending wellness and real-life reflection. Tom begins with an enlightening visit to Dr. Kara Mormarco Kendrick for a deep dive into the ancient healing art of cupping therapy, complete with on-the-table education and candid commentary. The episode then pivots to a lively, revealing Retox session with guest Luke Broderick, known from The Valley and partner to Kristen Doute. Over drinks and laughter, Tom uncovers Luke’s journey from small-town Indiana to the heart of Los Angeles reality TV, exploring themes of adaptation, nature, and chosen family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Tone: Purpose and Contrast

• Tom opens with a mindful, playful riff, threading music references and quantum ideas into his signature blend of “detox” and “retox.”
• Quote: “They say in the quantum field, every possibility, every version of you exists at once. And I’m trying to align myself with my happy, harmonized self today.” (02:01)

2. Wellness Deep Dive: Cupping with Dr. Kara (04:51–17:22)

Introducing Dr. Kara and Cupping 101

• Dr. Kara Mormarco Kendrick is a Doctor of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, specializing in stress, pain, hormone balance, and innovative techniques like “Love Cupping.”
• Tom shares his own transformative experience and curiosity about the science and intuition behind cupping.

What is Cupping?

• Cupping increases circulation, relieves tension, clears “blocked energy,” and can aid muscle recovery, relaxation, and even emotional release.
  • Quote: “Cupping is negative pressure. So kind of the opposite of massage, where it’s positive pressure… In Western terms it’s myofascial decompression.” (08:17)
• Dr. Kara elaborates on reading cupping marks, how different colors signal varied conditions (e.g., stagnation, blood deficiency, heat).
  • Quote: “If the marks are almost white… that can indicate blood deficiency… If you have really red, bright red, that could indicate maybe some heat in the body.” (11:00–11:44)

Emotional & Energetic Dimensions

• Cupping and other bodywork can provoke emotional releases. Kara notes some patients cry later in the day as “we’re opening so much up.” (12:50)
• The conversation turns personal with Tom recalling vivid, almost psychedelic experiences from previous sessions.

Integration & Aftercare

• Drink plenty of water, stay covered and warm post-session; avoid cold exposure and heavy alcohol immediately after.
• Recommended frequency: once a month for maintenance, more often if treating acute pain—but not more than once per week. (14:24–14:56)

Love Cupping

• Kara’s heart-shaped cups are a playful way to demystify cupping and appeal to broader audiences (and even bachelor/ette parties, jokingly). (15:04–15:44)

Kara’s Ritual and Philosophy

• Kara stays grounded through simple routines in preparing her space, not elaborate pre-treatment ceremonies.
• One-word description for post-cupping feeling: “Instant relief.” (17:09)
• Tom: “Oh, what a relief it is.” (17:14)

Tom’s On-the-Table Review

• Sensation: “Like a nice gentle hickey… but in the best possible way… it’s the good hurt.” (17:28)

3. The Luke Broderick Origin Story: Real Talk, Retox & Revelations (19:43–47:51)

Enter Luke: The "Kristen Whisperer" and Outdoorsman at Heart

• Luke misses the cupping session due to “having a child and a Kristen.” (19:43)
• Tom introduces Luke with playful banter and a Grizzly Adams parody, setting up his mythic outdoorsman persona.

The Real Story: Indiana Roots and Colorado Adventures

• Luke was born and raised in Indiana, holds a degree in accounting, but never worked as one—“your degree doesn’t define you.” (22:19)
• After college, he quit an office job to pursue the outdoors in Colorado, waiting tables then working in the cannabis/CBD industry, which led to property ownership and entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Quote: “I have 70 acres free and clear in Colorado.” (25:14)

CBD Boom and Bust

• Tom and Luke discuss the financial rollercoaster of the CBD industry pre-pandemic, both reflecting on big gains and missed exits.
  • Quote, Tom: “I had just watched Wall Street… greed is good. Turns out it's not good. And I did not take profits.” (28:14)

Meeting Kristen and LA Transition

• Luke met Kristen when they were both in a wedding party on his Colorado property—thank you, fate and mutual friends.
• He never sought TV fame: “I wanted to be the millionaire no one knows his name… better to be rich and anonymous than rich and famous.” (32:53)

Struggles and Adaptation in LA

• Luke finds LA “soul-sucking” compared to his country roots. He misses “blowing off steam” through outdoor work, fishing, and chopping wood versus going to bars.
  • Quote: “The longer I go without being regrounded outside of Los Angeles, the more my soul deteriorates. It's… a real issue for me.” (29:05)
• However, he adapts for Kristen and family, with a plan to eventually move to Nashville—sending Zillow listings weekly.
  • Quote: “Within two years… we will have a house there… Everything we could want.” (35:51–36:31)
• Tom praises Luke’s adaptability: “You have such a good attitude and you adjust well… LA looks good on you.” (34:19)

Nature as Healing: "Touching Grass"

• Luke’s happy place is sunrise in the wilderness—describes the tranquil beauty and simple joy of being outdoors at dawn. (39:16–40:29)
  • Quote: “At sunrise, when you get out there… the birds start chirping, the animals start moving… it’s just amazing.” (39:16)
• Emphasis on the importance of reconnecting with nature for mental health and grounding.
  • Quote, Luke: “It's not as good [as nature], it's vital… It's good for your heart rate. It's good for everything.” (41:24–41:33)

Ethics and Outdoorsmanship

• Luke is an ethical hunter and entrepreneur, putting gratitude at the core and wasting nothing.
  • Quote: “I don't have any taxidermy… If I take something's life, I’m going to make the most of its body.” (43:26–43:44)

Winding Down: Family, TV Fame & Being a “Weirdo”

• Tom and Luke reflect on chosen family, Sunday rituals, and hidden talents—Luke can juggle!
• Luke clarifies his real origin, correcting internet rumors: “I grew up in Indiana. I am a Hoosier.” (46:26)
• Luke’s old friends think it’s cool he’s on TV, but “to me, it’s still more weird than not.”
• Both men embrace their eccentricities: “I am a weirdo. I collect weirdos. Another reason I love you, Tom.” (47:22)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "I am always doing that which I cannot do in order that I may learn how to do it. Thanks, Pablo [Picasso]." — Tom Schwartz (02:20)
• "Cupping can help release stress and get yourself into that parasympathetic, which is that rest part of your nervous system." — Dr. Kara (07:33)
• "Your degree doesn’t define you." — Luke Broderick (22:33)
• "It just feels weird complaining… I look around and… I am absolutely blessed to be in the position I’m in." — Luke (33:38)
• "Part of being adaptable is… not giving up on your principles… but some fringe things you gotta give in to sometimes." — Luke (34:39)
• "The manifestation is real. Obviously Kristen loves me, I've got a beautiful little baby… sitting on the back patio with some guys… How can someone be mad at this situation?" — Luke (37:39)
• "I am a hoosier… The tabloids, if you're gonna pick this up, I am not from Colorado." — Luke (46:26)
• "I get called weird plenty. I am a weirdo. I collect weirdos. Another reason I love you, Tom." — Luke (47:22)

Timestamps: Notable Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 00:13–02:20 | Tom’s intro; mindfulness, music, and setting intentions for the episode | | 04:51–17:22 | Cupping with Dr. Kara: science, philosophy, emotional healing, and Love Cupping | | 19:43–22:35 | Luke Broderick enters: Meeting Kristen, origins, playful banter | | 24:01–25:14 | Luke’s move to Colorado, cannabis/CBD entrepreneurship, and land ownership | | 28:14–29:19 | The CBD boom & bust era: investing lessons | | 32:34–33:38 | Luke’s feelings about LA, transition to TV, and adaptation | | 35:36–36:31 | Luke’s future: moving to Nashville, real estate plans | | 39:16–41:06 | Luke’s “happy place”: connection to nature and healing at sunrise | | 43:18–43:56 | Ethical hunting, gratitude, and zero waste philosophy | | 46:26–47:22 | Clearing up internet myths: “I am a Hoosier” and the weirdness of TV fame | | 47:22–47:52 | Affirming friendship, embracing being “weird” |

Tone & Atmosphere

• Playful, curious, and unguarded—Tom blends self-deprecating humor with real questions.
• Educational without being preachy—Dr. Kara brings expertise and warmth; encourages curiosity about ancient modalities.
• Authentic and real—Luke is open about his struggles, dreams, and the compromises of uprooting his life, but stays positive and grounded.
• Highly conversational, with both camaraderie and vulnerability.

For New Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

• You'll learn the how and why behind cupping therapy, demystified in accessible language.
• You'll get the real story behind Luke Broderick—what makes him tick, what he misses from country life, and why living authentically (even in LA or on TV) is a triumph.
• The theme of adaptation and balance is alive throughout, echoing the show's spirit: strong self-care, human connection, and room for both stillness and a little chaos.

Detoxification complete.