The Higher Powered Podcast

Kurt Kessler discusses the importance of maintaining lower body and core function for anti-aging, focusing on control, mobility, and strength in the hips, core, and foot to prevent decline and injury.   Keywords anti-aging, core stability, lower body strength, mobility, injury prevention, functional movement, aging well   Key  topics Core and low back control as foundational to movement Importance...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler sits down with Bekah Strangarity, Next Steps Director at Manheim BIC, to wrestle with a question many Christians have asked: Is the God of the Old Testament angry and wrathful, while the God of the New Testament is loving and merciful? Together, Kurt and Bekah unpack Exodus 34, where God reveals His own name and character: merciful, gracious, slow...

Can you actually prevent injury… or is that a myth? In this episode, Kurt tackles one of the biggest debates in sports medicine: injury prevention vs unpredictability. On one side, everything can be trained, measured, and managed. On the other, there are simply too many variables to control. So what’s the truth? Breaking down factors like strength, endurance, intensity, stress, nutrition, hydratio...

Everybody loves a dream team… until it’s your rival building it. In this episode, Kurt uses sports—from LeBron’s superteams to personal basketball stories—to explore a deeper question: why do we chase talent, security, and proven success… while Jesus chose the exact opposite? When Jesus builds His team in the Gospels, He doesn’t recruit the most qualified, polished, or influential people. He choos...

When is an athlete actually ready to return to sport? In this episode, Kurt breaks down what data-driven return to play really means—and why timelines alone aren’t enough. Being pain-free or hitting a certain number of weeks post-injury doesn’t equal readiness. Using real-world examples (including ACL rehab), Kurt walks through the key metrics he uses to make return-to-play decisions: Strength and...

What does success actually look like? We’re taught to chase comfort, money, influence, and control. But when you slow down and really study the Gospels, Jesus points in a completely different direction. In this episode, Kurt breaks down the idea of the “upside down kingdom” —a kingdom where strength starts with need, where the overlooked are seen, and where the people we avoid are often the ones J...

The episode explores the effectiveness of red light therapy in sports medicine, highlighting its applications, limitations, and evidence-based outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and the appropriate use of red light therapy in specific contexts. Takeaways Red light therapy has evidence-based benefits in cancer care and hair loss. Red light therapy can provide short-te...

In this episode, Kurt Kessler shares a deeply personal story about navigating hurt and pride through a faith-driven lens. Moving beyond simply feeling better, he emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, humility, and authentic accountability. It's a guide to transforming emotional pain into opportunity for spiritual refinement. Key Topics: The difference between feeling better and getting be...

In this episode, expert physiotherapist Kurt Kessler breaks down why chasing pain often keeps athletes stuck in a cycle of injury and setbacks. He reveals how the healthcare system’s focus on cost and volume compromises long-term readiness—and what you, as an athlete or active individual, need to prioritize instead. You’ll uncover why pain isn’t a reliable marker of how ready your body really is—a...

In this episode, explore how embracing your unique purpose can lead to true authenticity and confidence. Kurt Kessler discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and the power of aligning with your distinct mission. Tune in for practical insights and scripture-based tips to help you step into your true self and make a meaningful impact. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: The Hero's Story Discover the relev...

In this episode, Kurt Kessler discusses functional strength training, emphasizing its importance in improving everyday movements and overall health. He outlines the benefits of consistent exercise, including mental health improvements and chronic disease prevention. Kessler also addresses common objections to exercise and highlights the significance of guidance in safe practice, especially for tho...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler shares his transformative journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the Bible and understanding its teachings. He reflects on his experiences at a men's retreat, the challenges of reading scripture, and the profound impact of learning about John the Baptist's role in the New Testament. Kurt discusses the nature of doubt in fait...

In this episode of Higher Powered, Kurt Kessler dives into an engaging Ask Me Anything format, addressing various questions related to health, technology, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of sleep as a foundational element for physical well-being, highlighting its role in recovery and overall health. Kurt also discusses the significance of stress management and strength training,...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler and Yale Maier discuss the integration of faith into professional life, particularly in the field of physical therapy. Yale shares his faith journey, the importance of mentorship, and how a positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, accountability, and understandin...

Kurt Kessler reflects on the one-year anniversary of his podcast, sharing the inception, purpose, vision, podcast performance, top-performing episodes, and personal reflections. Takeaways Podcast inception and purpose Podcast performance and top episodes Chapters 00:00 Inception of the Podcast 06:12 Podcast Performance 11:58 Reflections and Insights CONNECT https://www.instagram.com/higherpowerspo...

In this episode, Kurt Kessler delves into the nuances of sports physical therapy, highlighting its distinct role compared to general physical therapy. He addresses common misconceptions, the importance of specialized care for athletes, and the critical aspects of assessment and rehabilitation. Kessler emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to recovery, focusing on strength, conditioning, and...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler discusses the challenges of being a Christian and the reality of spiritual warfare. He shares personal experiences and biblical examples, emphasizing that following God does not guarantee an easy life. Instead, it often leads to greater struggles and hardships. Through stories of Job, the disciples, and Paul, he illustrates how Faith can lead to s...

In this episode, Kurt Kessler discusses the concept of stress and its impact on athletic performance and injury prevention. He introduces the stress capacity model, which illustrates how various factors contribute to an individual's threshold for stress and injury. Kessler emphasizes the importance of managing stress, both internal and external, to maintain optimal performance and prevent injuries...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler and Jordan Shewbridge explore the profound theme of forgiveness, particularly in the context of family relationships. Jordan shares his personal journey of faith, growing up in a single-parent household, and the pivotal role that forgiveness played in his life, especially regarding his estranged father. The conversation delves into the emotional s...

In this episode of the Higher Powered Podcast, Kurt Kessler hosts his first 'Ask Me Anything' session, addressing six questions submitted by listeners. He dives into various topics related to physical therapy (PT), strength and conditioning, and personal experiences that have shaped his professional journey. Kurt reflects on the evolution of PT practices, particularly the importance of embracing b...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler discusses Jon Gordon's 20 tips (11-20) for positive living, focusing on themes such as love over fear, the importance of community, the no complaining rule, the value of reading, living with purpose, mindset shifts, embracing failure, the joy of laughter, building a supportive circle, and enjoying life's journey. Each tip is tied to biblical truth...

The title is a dumb play on words for Choosy Moms Choose JIF, but in this episode of the Higher Power Podcast, Kurt Kessler interviews a mother of an athlete about her son's journey through injury and rehabilitation. Laura shares the emotional challenges faced during her son's injury, the importance of specialized care, and the role of accountability in the recovery process. The conversation highl...

In this episode, Kurt Kessler goes through Jon gordon's 20 tips for a positive new year. He discusses the importance of mindset and positivity, drawing from biblical principles and personal experiences. He emphasizes gratitude, the necessity of movement, the impact of self-talk, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. The conversation also covers the significance of cel...

In this episode of the Higher Powered Podcast, Kurt Kessler discusses the role of imaging in physical therapy, particularly focusing on x-rays and MRIs. He emphasizes that imaging results do not always correlate with a patient's pain and highlights the importance of understanding pain as a complex issue influenced by various factors, including movement and load management. Kessler advocates for co...

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler and Phil Denner discuss their personal journeys of faith, the struggles they have faced, and the importance of community and accountability among men. Phil shares his experiences growing up in a large Christian family, his periods of rebellion, and how he found his way back to faith. They delve into the challenges of work-life balance, especially...