Restore To Explore

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Tom Williams interviews Patrick Gilbert , an athletic trainer and physical therapist with the Indiana Pacers . They discuss Patrick's journey into the NBA, the challenges of travel and scheduling in professional sports, and the importance of foot health and natural footwear for athletes. Patrick shares insights on building trust with players, inte...

In this powerful conversation, Australian freediver Tara Rawson   shares how she dove to 82 meters on a single breath and how the journey transformed far more than just her diving. From recovering after a torn Achilles to mastering breathwork, fear, and stillness, Tara reveals what deep diving has taught her about the body, the mind, and herself. Whether you’re into freediving, nervous system...

In this conversation, Melanie shares her journey into physiotherapy and her insights on foot health, particularly focusing on bunions and hallux valgus. The discussion delves into the impact of footwear on foot health, the importance of understanding bunions, and the findings from Melanie's research on the causes and treatments of bunions. The conversation emphasizes the role of footwear in the de...

In this special Green Friday episode of the Restore to Explore Podcast , Mac Lyon sits down with Maximo Bottaro, founder of ReForest Now , to explore the urgent need for global reforestation and the incredible impact of planting trees. From the hidden biodiversity of Australia’s rainforests to the dangers of monoculture planting, Maximo shares eye-opening insights into the climate crisis — and how...

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Founder of The Foot Collective, Nick. St Louis engages in a deep conversation with Chris Duffin - world-renowned powerlifter, author, and entrepreneur. Known for being the first person to deadlift over 1,000 pounds for multiple reps, Chris shares how foot strength and barefoot training played a critical role in achieving peak performance...

In this episode of the Restore To Explore podcast, Andy chats with  Julia Shemesh .  Julia is devoted to bringing women back home to their moving bodies as the source of their wisdom, power and freedom. She does this via nature immersion retreats in the Italian Alps, group programs, and private mentorship. She creates and holds spaces where spontaneous, creative and self-healing for...

In this episode of the Restore To Explore podcast, Jim and Nick dive deep into the world of cushioning in footwear, exploring how modern comfort culture may be disconnecting us from natural movement. They unpack the evolution of cushioning in shoes, its impact on foot function, and how it influences our posture, balance, and long-term health. From the rise of the running shoe industry to what scie...

In this conversation, the founder of Freet - Andrew Jackson and Mac discuss the evolution of natural footwear, the challenges faced in the barefoot movement, and the importance of educating consumers about foot health. They share personal experiences and insights into the footwear industry, emphasizing the need for a shift in consumer awareness towards natural foot function and wellness. Discover...

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Mac chats with  Pelé Zachariah , a former pro footballer turned fitness coach and founder of Robots gym in London.  Pelé opens up about his journey from elite soccer in Barcelona to injury, identity crisis, drug use, and eventual rediscovery of purpose through movement, mindset, and play. Together, they explore the powerful relati...

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, host Andy Bryant interviews Thien Trinh, a Melbourne-based podiatrist and the owner of Stryda, a company specializing in innovative foot care products. They discuss Thien's journey into podiatry, the evolution of his practice over 18 years, and the shift towards barefoot shoes and orthotics. Thien shares insights on the importance of biomechanics,...

In this episode, Mac interviews Luke Mollet , a high school teacher and basketball enthusiast, who shares his journey into the world of foot health and its impact on athletic performance. Luke discusses the significance of foot training in basketball, particularly through the use of the TFC SoleMate , and how it has enhanced his performance on the court. He also delves into the exciting realm of 3...

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Mac Lyon interviews Mike Messina, who shares his transformative journey from struggling with obesity and addiction to becoming a healthier, more self-aware individual. Mike recounts his experiences on the reality show 'The Biggest Loser,' where he learned the importance of mindset, breathing techniques, and the role of foot health in overall well-...

This conversation explores the intricate relationship between balance training and mental health, emphasizing the importance of movement, focus, and neuroplasticity. The speakers discuss how balance training can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and foster resilience. They highlight the significance of flow states in achieving optimal performance and the role of balance training as a pract...

This podcast episode explores the relationship between sports injuries and balance training, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of injuries, the impact of footwear, and the importance of movement variability. Nick & Jim discuss the evolution of sports, the benefits and risks associated with athletic participation, and the role of balance training in injury prevention. They also introduce th...

This conversation delves into the critical issue of falls and their prevention, particularly among older adults. The hosts discuss the alarming statistics surrounding falls, the multifactorial risk factors involved, and the significant role of exercise in reducing falls risk. They emphasize the importance of early intervention and the need for a cultural shift towards balance training as a fun and...

This podcast episode delves into the significance of balance training as a foundational aspect of foot health and overall physical function. Jim and Nick discuss the inception of The Foot Collective, the development of balance beams, and the importance of play-based balance training. They introduce the TFC Balance Screen, a tool designed to assess balance and foot function, emphasizing its role in...

At TFC, we believe that restoring natural foot function starts from the ground up. From crawling as babies to standing on our own two feet, human development is grounded—literally—in floor-based movement. But in modern Western culture, our relationship with the ground is often one of the first things we lose. Chairs, shoes, and sedentary habits slowly disconnect us from the surface that once shape...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the mental side of movement: how your mindset shapes your habits, your healing, and your long-term progress. You'll hear from both Jim and Tom as they unpack what mindset actually means, where it comes from, and why it's the first foundation in any meaningful rehab journey. We’ll talk about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, how beliefs influence...

In today's episode we’re joined by Natalie Headdings — a movement educator, doula, and pelvic floor specialist whose work blends deep anatomical understanding with practical tools that help people reconnect with their bodies. Natalie has spent years guiding women through breath, movement, and curiosity — and her insights around the pelvic floor are truly game-changing. In this conversation, we exp...

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the function of the human foot — not just as a structural base, but as a sensory organ, a load-absorber, and a key part of your body’s ability to adapt. You’ll hear from the team behind the Foot Restoration Program as we break down the fundamentals of foot anatomy, natural function, and how modern footwear has compromised both. We cover why squished toes...

What if barefoot shoes were just the beginning — not the full solution? In this team roundtable episode, recorded live in Denver, the TFC crew — Nick, Jim, Mac, Tom and Andy — unpack what’s really needed to restore foot function. They go beyond shoes to talk about education, foot loading, and how consistent, low-effort training is the real game-changer. Jim, Tom, Andy, and Nick are the core educat...

In this conversation, Jim Dooner and Heidi Van Mastrigt discuss the evolution of coaching in pain management, emphasizing a functional approach over symptom-based treatments. They explore the importance of thorough assessments in understanding foot function and the impact of footwear on overall health. Heidi shares her personal journey with footwear and how it informs her recommendations for clien...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chad Little, a footwear designer who once worked for Nike designing shoes like Air Jordans but now he’s the founder of CODE Footwear — a company making waves by putting foot health first. Chad’s story is a powerful example of what happens when curiosity, truth, and creativity collide. From presenting a foot health pitch directly to Michael Jordan, to building cust...

In this episode, Jim sits down with David Weck , a pioneering movement coach, inventor of the BOSU Ball and the founder of Weck Method —based in San Diego, California. Jim was first introduced to David’s work through rope flow in 2020 during lockdowns, casually exploring the practice as a fun way to mobilise his shoulders and thoracic spine. However, it wasn’t until a visit to the Weck Lab in 2024...

In this episode of the Restore to Explore podcast, Jim sits down with Ben Watson — a Gold Coast-based personal trainer, mixed martial artist, certified TFC Guide, and WEC Method master coach. Ben’s journey through martial arts has deeply shaped his training philosophy, which blends skill development, rotational movement, and the power of play. Together, they explore the role of simple tools as tea...