Dr. Caleb shares his unique approach to healing, focusing on the mind-body connection, the importance of listening to our bodies, and why true wellness is simpler than it seems. He also opens up about how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, reinforcing his commitment to live with integrity and purpose.
Tune in to hear how Caleb and his team at The Source foster a supportive community, reminding us that the journey to health and growth is best taken together.
Listen to the episode here:
Welcome to Palm Harbor Local, the podcast dedicated to celebrating the inspiring stories and people who make our community a better place. I’m your host, Donnie Hathaway, and today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Caleb Gressett. Dr. Caleb isn’t just a chiropractor with The Source in Dunedin—he’s also a new father and a recent ultra-marathon runner, braving 46 miles on the Pinellas Trail in the thick August heat. His journey offers profound lessons on self-awareness, the importance of holistic health, and the undeniable power of community.
Self-Awareness as a Superpower: Building Inner Strength
When Dr. Caleb talks about self-awareness, he sees it as more than just personal insight. To him, it’s a superpower, an innate ability that every human has, yet few truly cultivate. He likens it to a muscle: one that needs practice, patience, and consistency to grow. According to Caleb, self-awareness doesn’t just mean acknowledging our strengths; it’s also about facing our fears, limitations, and the shadows we’d often rather ignore.
For Caleb, self-awareness plays a crucial role in his work as a chiropractor. He wants his patients to go beyond surface-level treatments and dive into the root causes of their pain. Instead of seeing pain as something to be numbed or fixed immediately, he helps his patients view it as a signal—a message from their body. This unique approach reframes the healing process, encouraging his patients to listen to what their bodies are truly telling them. By asking deeper, thought-provoking questions, Caleb helps people move beyond “What’s wrong with me?” to “Why is this happening in the first place?” It’s a powerful shift that doesn’t just treat symptoms but fosters a profound understanding of the mind-body connection.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Health
Dr. Caleb’s view on health goes beyond physical alignment—it’s about achieving harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. In his opinion, true health isn’t complicated, though society often makes it seem that way with endless wellness trends and complex routines. For Caleb, the core of well-being lies in simplicity: nourishing food, regular movement, quality sleep, and positive thinking. He believes that health doesn’t have to be about extremes or fads. Instead, it’s about adopting sustainable habits that fit our unique needs and lifestyles.
Caleb is an advocate for self-kindness, something he sees as sorely missing in today’s “hustle” culture. He notes that people often overcomplicate health, with new information constantly flooding us, making it easy to lose sight of the basics. Caleb encourages his patients to avoid overthinking their health journey and to start with the essentials. “Eat what makes you feel good, find movement that you enjoy, and be gentle with yourself,” he says. “If you can surround yourself with people who support you, you’re already doing great.” His approach underscores the power of small, intentional choices, and reminds us that the path to health doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Healing in Community: The Unique Model of The Source
Community is the heartbeat of Caleb’s practice at The Source, and it’s more than just a philosophy—it’s an experience. Caleb believes that true healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when people come together to support each other. This is why The Source offers open-space adjustments and frequent community events, creating an environment where people can connect, share, and heal alongside one another. He recalls a powerful moment when a patient began to cry during an adjustment. Instead of shying away, the other patients around them instinctively started breathing deeply and holding space, creating a shared, healing experience. “We didn’t instruct them to do this; it just happened because of the community we’ve built here,” Caleb explains.
The Source’s commitment to community is rooted in Caleb’s own experiences with team sports and coaching CrossFit. Both environments emphasized camaraderie, accountability, and mutual support, which he has carried over to his practice. The Source regularly hosts events like breathwork sessions, educational workshops, and celebrations to build bonds among clients. “We don’t heal in isolation,” Caleb says. “When you’re part of a community that supports your growth, it changes everything.” For him, The Source isn’t just a chiropractic practice; it’s a space for transformation where people feel empowered to face their challenges together.
The Journey Into Fatherhood: New Lessons and Changing Priorities
Fatherhood has brought unexpected lessons and growth for Caleb, shifting his priorities in ways he never anticipated. When his daughter, Callie, was born, Caleb found himself filled with a new sense of purpose. Witnessing his partner, Shelby, go through a home birth was a life-altering experience that deepened his belief in the human body’s intelligence and resilience. “Seeing Shelby’s body do what it did—without intervention, just pure instinct—was incredible,” he shares.
For Caleb, being a father means showing up in a whole new way. He admits that before Callie’s arrival, he was often focused on his own goals and routines. Now, his decisions are guided by the responsibility and love he feels for his family. He describes how fatherhood has redefined what it means to lead by example. “It’s not enough to just say what you believe in—you have to live it, especially when your child is watching and learning from everything you do,” he says. The experience has also strengthened his bond with Shelby, teaching him the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities.
Balancing Self-Discipline with Self-Compassion
Caleb’s dedication to fitness is an important part of his life, but he’s learned that discipline doesn’t always mean pushing yourself to the limit. He speaks about the importance of recognizing when to challenge yourself and when to let your body rest. In his view, fitness is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Caleb practices a balance of self-compassion and discipline, knowing that there are times to push through and times to take it easy.
He recalls a piece of advice that resonates with him from Jocko Willink, a well-known advocate of discipline and mental toughness: “On days when you’re tired and want to skip a workout, go anyway. If you’re still tired afterward, then take the next day off.” For Caleb, this principle of testing our limits before giving in helps separate true physical need from mental resistance. “Sometimes, it’s not about how hard you push; it’s about showing up with what you have,” he says. This approach encourages consistency over intensity, building resilience without burning out.
Cultivating Community for Healing and Growth
Community isn’t just a buzzword for Caleb; it’s a necessity. Humans are social beings, wired to thrive in groups. Isolation, he explains, can be one of the most damaging experiences for our mental and physical well-being. Studies show that prolonged isolation leads to significant psychological distress, a truth Caleb sees in his practice. At The Source, he prioritizes creating a safe, inclusive space where patients can come together, knowing they’re supported.
The Source’s open-style adjustments and group events foster a sense of unity among patients, creating an environment where healing extends beyond physical adjustments. The community Caleb and his team have built allows patients to experience shared healing, where witnessing and supporting each other’s journey becomes a powerful aspect of their own growth. Caleb’s commitment to community has transformed The Source into a place where people don’t just come for chiropractic care—they come for connection, support, and collective healing.
Final Reflections: Living with Purpose and Integrity
Dr. Caleb Gressett’s story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, holistic health, and community support. His journey reminds us that health isn’t just about physical well-being; it’s about mental clarity, emotional resilience, and genuine connections with others. Caleb’s work with The Source emphasizes a vision of health that respects the body’s natural wisdom, celebrates community, and nurtures each individual’s path to growth.
As we reflect on his insights, we’re reminded of the importance of living with purpose, prioritizing well-being, and finding strength in the communities around us. Dr. Caleb’s journey shows that, in the end, true health and fulfillment come from within—and are amplified by the support of those who walk the path alongside us. Whether you’re navigating your own health journey, exploring self-awareness, or looking for a community that uplifts you, Caleb’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.
CONNECT WITH CALEB:
- Website: www.thesourcedunedin.com
- Instagram: @drcalebgressett
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