Strides To Solutions

Investigates how disrupted prediction error signaling in the brain creates misalignment between perceived and actual energy availability. Shows why people with CFS feel energetic but then crash, and how faulty interoceptive processing maintains the boom-bust cycle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.s...

Challenges common pacing advice for CFS patients by exploring the neurobiological and psychological factors that make balanced energy management so difficult. Reveals why willpower alone fails and what multi-level interventions actually help people with ME/CFS escape boom-bust cycles. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...

Reveals research using brain imaging to capture real-time neural changes during equine-assisted activities. Shows how horses provide multisensory, emotionally meaningful experiences that may complement traditional ADHD treatments by training executive function skills in natural contexts with immediate feedback. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or g...

Reveals groundbreaking research showing how early experiences create neurological patterns that determine trust capacity for life. Explores why moderate, consistent early care builds secure attachment while intensive handling or frequent caregiver changes can permanently impair relationship abilities—with profound implications for parenting and human development. This is a public episode. If you w...

This episode reveals what horses teach us about the real foundation of lasting bonds: consistency beats intensity every single time. You'll discover why your small, daily actions matter more than grand romantic gestures, why reliable people are irresistible (even to 1,200-pound animals), and how the same principles that create unbreakable horse-human partnerships can transform your relationships w...

Stop wasting energy on dramatic relationship gestures that don't actually build trust. This episode reveals what horses teach us about the real foundation of lasting bonds: consistency beats intensity every single time. You'll discover why your small, daily actions matter more than grand romantic gestures, why reliable people are irresistible (even to 1,200-pound animals), and how the same princip...

This episode investigates the remarkable ability of horses to serve as "emotional mirrors" without judgment, providing immediate biofeedback about nervous system states. Examines clinical evidence showing dramatic improvements in social skills, emotional regulation, and trauma recovery through equine-assisted therapy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribe...

Explores cutting-edge research on how interactions with horses and other animals might actually change brain structure and function over time. Examines the neurobiological evidence for why people report feeling more resilient after regular animal contact, while honestly addressing the significant research gaps that still exist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...

Traces the developmental journey of human-animal relationships, showing how the same capacity for attachment serves different crucial functions at each life stage. Explains why understanding these patterns could transform how we support people through life transitions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit estherna...

Explore the fascinating research on how animals detect human emotional states and respond with emotional contagion - perfect for pet owners who've experienced this mysterious connection during difficult times. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com

Discover the surprising research on posttraumatic growth showing that some severely traumatized children become the strongest, most compassionate adults. Learn the exact factors that predict who breaks and who breaks through, and why hope might be the most powerful intervention of all. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episode...

Explore the four attachment styles that determine whether you push people away, desperately cling, or find healthy balance in relationships. Based on groundbreaking research following children for 35+ years, learn how your infant experiences created patterns you're still living out and how to finally rewrite your relationship blueprint. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w...

The grief you thought you'd processed years ago just came flooding back... because your cat died. Discover the shocking research that proves you're not "crazy" for sobbing over your childhood dog while planning your mother's funeral. This deep-dive into 50+ groundbreaking studies reveals why losing a pet can trigger devastating grief for people who died years ago - and why losing a human loved one...

Esther Adams breaks down the specific symptom patterns that define chronic fatigue syndrome - from the delayed crashes that happen 2-3 days after minimal activity to the cognitive fog that makes reading impossible. If you've been told your complex symptoms are "just stress," this episode reveals the medical reality behind what you're experiencing. DISCLAIMER FOR STRIDES TO SOLUTIONS PODCAST Import...

Stop blaming yourself for that familiar pattern of feeling capable, pushing too hard, then paying for days. Learn how disrupted mitochondrial function and nervous system dysregulation create the boom-bust trap, and discover the systematic approach that helps stabilize your energy patterns for good. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

Esther Adams breaks down the leading scientific frameworks behind chronic fatigue - from Energy Envelope Theory to Polyvagal Theory - and transforms complex research into actionable strategies. Discover why understanding the 'why' behind your symptoms is the first step toward feeling more in control of your condition. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribe...

Esther Adams breaks down the most evidence-based approach to chronic fatigue that patients consistently rate as most helpful, yet remains widely misunderstood in clinical practice. Learn the specific techniques that transform energy crashes into sustainable daily functioning. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit e...

Sport psychologists studying elite athletes discovered that coaching climate—not personality or talent—determines anxiety levels and burnout risk. Learn why traditional coaching methods trigger chronic stress responses that impair performance, how mastery-focused environments reduce anxiety while improving results, and the exact communication strategies that build confident, resilient athletes. In...

After studying thousands of elite athletes, researchers have identified four core motivational profiles that predict performance, wellbeing, and career longevity with stunning accuracy. Whether you're powered by mastery or ego, autonomy or control determines not just your success but your entire relationship with challenge. Discover which profile you fit, why some fuel sources are psychological po...

How do Olympic champions and elite athletes actually set goals? This episode reveals the sophisticated, science-backed frameworks that separate elite performers from everyone else. Drawing from systematic reviews covering thousands of athletes, discover why process goals dramatically outperform outcome goals, how the SMART framework is just the beginning, and why elite athletes use multi-level goa...

Why can't elite performers be nervous and "in the zone" at the same time? This episode explores groundbreaking research showing that flow state and performance anxiety are neurologically incompatible, they literally cannot coexist in the brain. Drawing from studies of professional musicians, dancers, and athletes, we uncover the mechanisms behind this paradox: why anxiety blocks flow, how challeng...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com

Sport psychologists claim mental training can transform your performance, but what does the science actually say? This evidence-based deep dive analyzes 1,000+ studies to reveal the uncomfortable truth: yes, visualization, goal setting, and self-talk work—but the effects shrink by 30-50% when you look at high-quality research. Discover why 97% of sport psychology reviews are rated "low quality," w...

Discover the evidence-based mental training system used by elite athletes across all sports, now explained specifically for equestrians. Learn to create mental rehearsals so detailed—including the weight of reins, arena sounds, and pre-competition butterflies—that your brain processes them as real experience. Perfect for riders wanting to maximize progress despite limited resources, weather constr...

Discover why athletes who look sloppy in practice often dominate in games, based on 1,000+ studies across basketball, golf, tennis, and volleyball. Learn how random practice creates 20-21% better skill retention and game-day transfer than traditional blocked drills, why constantly switching between skills builds competition-ready neural pathways, and how embracing messy training sessions develops...