The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast

What should high school curlers actually be doing during the off-season? In this episode, I share my own journey from a high school curler who wanted bigger takeout weight and better sweeping, to spending countless hours in the gym following random hockey programs I found online. While some of that training helped, there are also a lot of things I wish someone had taught me sooner. If I could go b...

What should curlers actually be doing in the offseason? With so much conflicting fitness advice online, it can be hard to know what matters most. In this episode, I break down the five essential elements that every curler's offseason training program should include to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and prepare for a stronger season on the ice. From assessments and strength training to co...

In this episode, I'm diving into a side of curling we don't talk about enough: training and competing during pregnancy. Over the past few years, we've seen more curlers stay on the ice while pregnant, which has raised a lot of important questions around training, performance, recovery, and support. This episode was inspired by a series of thoughtful questions from Ana Kubeskova of Czech Curling ,...

Most curlers don't plateau because they've hit their limit, they plateau because their training isn't set up to move them forward. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes I see in the offseason, from lack of structure and progression to doing too much too soon and not connecting training to curling performance. You'll learn what actually works: a clear plan, progression over time, and t...

March 2026 Recap: Offseason Shift, Fundamentals & Where to Start This month's recap is all about the limbo season when we start to wrap up the competitive season and step into the offseason with intention. In this episode, I'm sharing what the shift has looked like on my end, from finishing up on-ice sessions to leaning back into running and rebuilding my aerobic base (with a big focus on nasal br...

February 2026 Recap: Certification, TV Curling & What's Next This is the first episode in a new monthly format; a short and sweet recap of what's been happening behind the scenes in my world and inside Empowered Performance. In this February review, I'm walking you through a big professional milestone (getting officially certified as a Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Coach ), a much-needed fami...

Most curlers are chasing better balance, but many are chasing the wrong thing. In this episode, we break down what real balance looks like in the curling delivery and why it has far less to do with wobble-free broomless slides than you might think. We talk about: • Why poor balance drains your physical and mental energy • The hidden alignment issues that affect accuracy and weight control • Why I...

Worried about losing progress over the holidays? You're not alone — but time off the ice doesn't have to set you back. In this episode, we break down a simple Holiday Survival Guide to help you use the break to rest, reset, and return to the ice feeling stronger and more focused. We'll cover how to: • Reframe time off as productive recovery • Reduce curling-specific imbalances • Approach holiday e...

In this episode, I'm joined by World Champion curler, mom, and Registered Psychotherapist Sarah Wilkes, who brings a rare and valuable dual perspective to the world of sport — one from the ice, and one from the therapist's chair. Currently playing lead on the #1 ranked team in the world and fresh off a World Championship win, Sarah's path hasn't been a straight line. We explore the emotional inten...

In today's episode, I'm joined by world-class athlete and certified hypnotist Val Sweeting. We talk about how hypnosis supported her during the intense bubble season, what shifted when she stepped away from it, and how she eventually found her way back—this time as a certified hypnotist. Now, she's helping other athletes do the inner work through her new program, Unleashed. Val shares how her trai...

In today's episode I walk you through my thought process around what it means to be a great 5th player on a successful curling team. I give you my experience as well as a long list of questions to help you and your team decide if carrying a 5th will work for you, and how exactly do you want that role to look.   This is likely my last episode before mat leave -if you're new to the podcast make sure...

Today's episode dives into the intricacies of sweeping that not a lot of people pay attention to. When discussing who is the best sweeper the argument often centres around effectiveness and power, however top sweepers are not just great because of their physical skill. The best sweepers also know how to manage their energy throughout a game, understand the different paths in the ice and are great...

Today's episode I have Nina Walker back on the podcast talk about how to safely navigate the world of nutrition supplements; whether you are an elite athlete who might be drug tested in the future, or just a concerned athlete hoping to learn how to make smart choices around what to put in your body.   Nina let's us know what her top 2 supplements are as a Performance Nutritionist, and goes through...

Today's episode I get to chat with Chantal Duhaime from Airways Myo. Chantal gives us insight into what myofunctional therapy is and how it can help you and your family improve your quality of life and the bonus benefits of enhancing performance.   Love this episode? Check these out: Episode 03 : Shut your mouth -the key to better breathing Episode 32 : 5 ways to improve your cardio nobody told yo...

In today's episode I interview the author of Curling for Beginners and Improvers. John Robertson gives us insight into what inspired him to write this book, and how he hopes it will help curlers of various abilities take their game to the next level. You can purchase his book in various forms at https://www.curlingbeginners.ca     Some episodes that will pair well with this conversation: Episode 6...

Today's episode outlines the pros and cons and ways to maximize your time during a solo curling practice. I give you a list of devices to help you reach your goal as well as an outline of how I organize my own personal practices.   Love this episode, check these out: Episode 18 : Letting your knees go past your toes Episode 23 : Teach, test and repeat with Terri Weeks Episodes 40, 41 & 41 : 3 Brus...

In today's episode I am joined by Sofia Mabergs who shares snippets from her journey to the top of women's curling with Team Hasselborg.   We touch on the importance of each athlete playing to their strengths, setting goals and enjoying your time on the ice.   Fia shares her learnings around practice, sweeping and training specifically to improve curling performance.   Love this episode, check the...

Today's episode features English researcher and curler Jotham Sugden. We talk about his mission with his website www.leancurling.com centring around curling research and sweep science.   We answer a couple questions such as: How can an athlete and a coach determine what information is good? How to combine experience and research with the human athlete in front you? What matters more, experience, e...

In this episode I answer questions such as: Best workout for improving stability and power for peel weight Should I pull back in the curling delivery? What workouts should I do if I have a knee injury?   This months case study gives tips for if your inner thigh or outer hip is influencing your ability to get into a comfortable and accurate delivery position   If you've got a question or case study...

In today's episode I am joined once again by Mental Performance Consultant Emily Riley. She walks us through the fundamentals of mental performance training, so that you have the basic skills to work on finding your best as a person, performer, teammate and a team. Emily has found many people know what they struggle with, but don't know how to go about increasing their confidence, managing their e...

In today's episode I am joined by Nina Walker, a performance nutritionist who oversees the nutrition support for British Curling. The bulk of this episode outlines the key elements of a well-fueled curler, and introduces you to the concept of a Performance Plate. Nina recommends focusing on your nutrition year-round; using  the off ice season to practise timing of meals around training, practices...

In this episode I answer questions such as: What are the best off ice exercises for sweeping training? What are some important tips for skips in the off ice season? How do I set goals for next year when I don't have any big events? Does using a stabilizer make it harder for me to switch to a broom? And more.   This months case study outlines helps a curler who struggles with hitting the broom; the...

In this episode I provide a framework with which to put together your own offseason training program. I help you plan and organize what, when and why you will workout.   Some other great episodes to check out: Episode 04 : Avoid these 8 mistakes I made training to become a fitter curler Episode 09 : Reverse engineering your goals Episode 28 : Using performance gap analysis to dictate offseason tra...

How to breath well, move well, manage your nervous system, train hard, recover harder and maximize your efforts in the gym. In this episode I preview 6 movement concepts that I believe every aspiring high performing human/athlete need to master. Carry these concepts into your on ice training to improve performance and make technique adjustments easier.   Catch the free follow up webinar on March 2...

In this episode I answer questions around topics such as: Returning to sport after injury, How to run an end of season debrief, How to find more control in your takeout weights,  & more   This month's case study is a submission video from someone who wanted help with applying more pressure during bigger brush strokes. I walk you through what they are doing really well, and what technique changes t...